How to write a newspaper article (and past tense) Flashcards
(24 cards)
- Headline
A short, catchy title that tells the reader what the article is about.
Use strong, clear words (often no punctuation or verbs).
Example: Storm Hits Coastal Town or Local School Wins National Prize
- Lead Paragraph (Introduction)
This is the first paragraph and it answers the 5 Ws:
Who? (who was involved)
What? (what happened)
When? (when it happened)
Where? (where it happened)
Why? (why it happened — if known)
Keep it short and clear.
Example:
A severe storm hit the coastal town of Melkbosstrand on Monday morning, damaging homes and cutting off electricity to many residents.
- Body Paragraphs (Details)
Each paragraph gives more information about the event.
Use quotes from eyewitnesses, officials, or people involved.
Write in the third person (he, she, they — not “I” or “you”).
Use formal language and reporting words: stated, reported, confirmed, explained.
Example: According to residents, the wind started howling at around 3 a.m. “It sounded like a train,” said Mr Pietersen, whose roof was blown off.
- Final Paragraph (Conclusion or Extra Info)
Add any final facts, future plans, or how people are reacting.
You can mention what will happen next, or what officials say will be done.
Example: The mayor said the town would receive emergency support and repairs would begin as soon as possible.
Tips for Writing a Good Article:
Use past tense (e.g. happened, said, was damaged).
Keep sentences short and clear.
Use paragraphs to separate ideas.
Check your facts – newspaper articles must be accurate.
No personal opinions unless it’s a quote.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘Hundreds of runners are participating in the event.’
Hundreds of runners participated in the event.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The weather is rainy, making it difficult for runners.’
The weather was rainy, making it difficult for runners.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The race organizers are providing water stations along the route.’
The race organizers provided water stations along the route.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘Many runners finish the race despite the rain.’
Many runners finished the race despite the rain.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The first place winner is interviewed by reporters.’
The first place winner was interviewed by reporters.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘Local residents are cheering for the runners along the streets.’
Local residents cheered for the runners along the streets.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The marathon raises money for local charities.’
The marathon raised money for local charities.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The police are helping to manage traffic during the event.’
The police helped to manage traffic during the event.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: ‘The race begins at 8 a.m.’
The race began at 8 a.m.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: She walks to school every day.
She walked to school every day.
This is an example of the simple present tense changed to the simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: They play soccer on the weekends.
They played soccer on the weekends.
This is an example of the simple present tense changed to the simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: I am reading a book.
I was reading a book.
This illustrates the change from present continuous to past continuous tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: He eats lunch at noon.
He ate lunch at noon.
This shows the transformation from simple present to simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: We study for the test every week.
We studied for the test every week.
This demonstrates the change from simple present to simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: She runs fast.
She ran fast.
This is an example of the simple present tense changed to the simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: They are working hard on the project.
They were working hard on the project.
This reflects the change from present continuous to past continuous tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: I like chocolate.
I liked chocolate.
This illustrates the change from simple present to simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: You write your homework every day.
You wrote your homework every day.
This shows the transformation from simple present to simple past tense.
Rewrite the sentence in past tense: The sun rises in the east.
The sun rose in the east.
This is an example of the simple present tense changed to the simple past tense.
