# Study Notes: Conventions of News Articles ## Types of News: Hard News vs. Soft News ### Hard News Hard news refers to articles that are **important, timely, and consequential**. These stories often cover topics like politics, economics, natural disasters, or major societal events. #### Key Characteristics: - **Timeliness**: Reports on recent or breaking events. - **Objectivity**: Focuses on facts without personal opinions. - **Accuracy**: Information is verified through multiple sources. - **Clarity**: Written in a straightforward, concise style. - **Structure**: Follows the **inverted pyramid format** (most important details first). ### Soft News Soft news focuses on **celebrity, entertainment, and lifestyle topics**. These articles are less urgent and often aim to entertain or engage readers rather than inform them about critical events. --- ## Key Questions for Analyzing Hard News Articles When reading or analyzing a hard news article, ask yourself the following: 1. **Who made this article?** - Assess the credibility of the source. Is it a reputable news outlet? 2. **Who is the intended audience?** - Consider who the article is written for. Is it general readers, professionals, or a specific demographic? 3. **When was this written?** - Check the publication date to ensure the information is current. 4. **How was this written?** - Look at the tone, structure, and language. Is it objective and clear? 5. **What is reported here?** - Identify the main facts and events covered in the article. 6. **What is missing?** - Consider if any key details or perspectives are absent. 7. **Where do I go from here?** - Think about what additional information or sources you might need to fully understand the topic. Use these questions as a checklist to critically evaluate any hard news article you read. --- ## Text Type Conventions of Hard News Articles ### 1. **Timeliness** Hard news articles must be **timely** and relevant to the current news cycle. They often report on: - Breaking news - Recent events - Ongoing developments For instance, a hard news article about a natural disaster would be published within hours of the event to provide immediate updates. --- ### 2. **Objectivity** Hard news articles aim to present facts **without bias**. They avoid personal opinions or emotional language. Objectivity ensures that readers can trust the information and form their own opinions based on the facts presented. --- ### 3. **Accuracy** Accuracy is critical in hard news. Information should be: - **Fact-checked** through multiple sources - Free from errors or exaggerations Failing to verify facts can lead to misinformation, which damages the credibility of the article and the news outlet. --- ### 4. **Clarity** Hard news articles are written in a **clear and concise style** to ensure readers can quickly grasp the main points. Short sentences and straightforward language are key to maintaining clarity. --- ### 5. **Headline** The headline should be: - **Informative**: Clearly reflect the content of the article. - **Engaging**: Capture the reader's attention. Headline Example: "Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall in Florida, Causing Widespread Damage" --- ### 6. **Lead** The **lead** (or introduction) summarizes the most important information in the article. It answers the **5Ws and 1H**: - **Who?** - **What?** - **When?** - **Where?** - **Why?** - **How?** Lead Example: "A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern California on Monday, causing significant damage to infrastructure and leaving thousands without power." --- ### 7. **Inverted Pyramid Structure** Hard news articles follow the **inverted pyramid format**: - **Top**: Most important information (e.g., main event, key facts). - **Middle**: Supporting details (e.g., background, context). - **Bottom**: Less critical information (e.g., minor details, quotes). This structure ensures readers get the essential information even if they only read the beginning of the article. --- ### 8. **Attribution** All quotes and information must be attributed to **reliable sources**. This adds credibility and transparency to the article. Attribution Example: "According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours." --- ### 9. **Neutral Language** Hard news articles use **neutral and formal language**. They avoid: - Emotional or sensational words - Exaggerations or dramatic phrasing Using emotional language can make the article seem biased or unprofessional. --- ### 10. **Minimal Use of Opinion** Hard news articles focus on **facts**, not opinions. If opinions are included, they should be: - Clearly labeled (e.g., in an editorial or opinion section) - Supported by evidence Opinionated content is more common in soft news or opinion pieces, not in hard news. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Hard news** is timely, factual, and objective, while **soft news** is more entertainment-focused. - Use the **5Ws and 1H** to evaluate the completeness of a hard news article. - The **inverted pyramid structure** ensures the most critical information is presented first. - Hard news articles prioritize **accuracy, clarity, and neutrality** to maintain credibility. When writing or analyzing hard news, always verify facts, avoid bias, and focus on delivering clear, concise information.