Why are my paragraphs so short?

by Candace Perkins BowenAssociate professor

Director, Center for Scholastic JournalismKent State University

cbowen@kent.edu

What makes news NewsWhat makes news News

Each has a different audience. With an English class essay, the writer usually has an audience of

one — the teacher. When writing for media, the writer has a much broader audience —

the entire school or community.

Each has a different purpose. Usually the English essay writer is trying to impress the teacher…

and get an A! The journalist needs to clearly and often quickly inform, entertain or

persuade an audience.

Keep these ideas in mind:Keep these ideas in mind:

Journalistic writing has short, concise sentences.

JW has simple, understandable words.

JW uses short paragraphs, often one or two sentences.

“English class” writing has longer, more complex sentences.

ECW uses more multi-syllable words.

ECW often has paragraphs of 100 words or more, including a topic sentence and its support.

Here are some differences…Here are some differences…

Newswriting is traditionally arranged in an inverted pyramid.

The first paragraph is the lead -- with 5Ws and H.

A summary lead is usually one sentence.

Additional paragraphs are short and contain less and less important information.

Essays traditionally are five paragraphs.

The first paragraph is the introduction and thesis statement.

Second, third and fourth paragraphs develop the topic using Compare and contrast Definition Classification, etc.

The final paragraph is the conclusion.

Organization varies…Organization varies…

Five-Paragraph EssayFive-Paragraph Essay

OrganizationOrganization

Inverted pyramidInverted pyramid

Lead – Lead –

5Ws & 5Ws & HH

Gets less Gets less importantimportant

Intro/Thesis Intro/Thesis statementstatement

BodyBody

ConclusionConclusion

Media writing uses lots of primary sources. InterviewsExpertsSpokespersonsNewsmakers ‘People on the street’

Secondary sources include:Official recordsReference materials Other media

Essays often require material fromReading a particular

workDrawing on insight and

information from previous readings or lectures

Applying personal experience

information-gathering varies, too…information-gathering varies, too…

But keep in mind But keep in mind why that’s the case:why that’s the case:

Different audience

Different purpose

Media writing works attribution into context: “The result is

dangerous,” Mayor Fred Norton said.

According to the Health Commission’s survey, 27 percent of the participants lost weight.

This is also necessary when using secondary sources the reporter didn’t interview: “The result is

dangerous,” Mayor Fred Norton told the Greenville Times.

Essays use various citation forms: MLA APA

This could include: Footnotes or endnotes Parenthetical citations Bibliography

BEWARE OF PLAGIARISM!BEWARE OF PLAGIARISM!

All writing needs attribution…All writing needs attribution…

Not every assignment in English class is a five-paragraph essay. Not every story in the media is a traditional news story. Today’s publications — especially student media — often use news features. These start with a “softer” lead

Anecdote Description Suspended interest, etc.

Organization varies but generally has An interest-catching beginning A “nut graph” to show the focus An ending that makes it feel “finished” Plenty of short, interesting quotes Transition to tie all the parts together

It’s not quite that simple, but…It’s not quite that simple, but…

While all readers would agree, it’s not a “tragic fire.”Without a survey or other way to show this, it’s not

accurate to say “everyone owns an iPod.” What is the source? Who researched this?

And even if “Greenville High School is better off because she won the award,” the reporter shouldn’t be the one to say it.

news and features don’t contain reporter news and features don’t contain reporter opinionopinion

The basic writing processBrainstorm for ideasGather informationOrganize and select appropriate informationWrite the first draftShare with a coachUse coaching suggestions and insight for second draftTweak as many times as necessary, polish and submit

What IS the same?What IS the same?

Grades 6-12 – Text types & purposes1.Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of

substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. [editorials/columns/reviews]

2.Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. [in-depth news, features]

3.Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details and well-structured event sequences. [narrative features]

Common Core: Common Core: College and career readiness College and career readiness anchor standards for writinganchor standards for writing

Grades 6-12 – Production and Distribution1.Produce clear and coherent writing in which the

development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. [any journalism]

2.Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. [editorial process – including possible alternative story forms]

3.Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others. [definitely!]

Common Core: Common Core: College and career readiness College and career readiness anchor standards for writinganchor standards for writing

Grades 6-12 – Range of writing1.Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,

reflection, and revision) [publication cycle]2. and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for

a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. [Web vs. newspaper or news magazine?]

Common Core: Common Core: College and career readiness College and career readiness anchor standards for writinganchor standards for writing

Writing for media, based on its purpose have something we call NEWS VALUES.

Timeliness Proximity

Prominence Human interest Significance

Impact

So…what else makes it Journalism?So…what else makes it Journalism?

But when you become journalists, you have to remember you have

A different audience A different purpose

And that may mean leaving some of your English class writing behind, but it still means incorporating Common Core

Standards.

Good writing is still good writing…Good writing is still good writing…