If you have any questions, please contact the library staff at:
text/SMS: (508) 443-6561
email: nshslibrary@newton.k12.ma.us
Ms Dimmick, Ms Downey or Ms Schoen will get back to you as soon as possible.
Assignment: Use the tips below to write an informative news piece that you will deliver in your news broadcast. Use the Creating a News Story Rubric as a guide for how you will be assessed.
Before you start to write:
As you write:
Submit your news article via Google Docs on 3/2/2015 by 5:00pm.
For best results follow this outline:
Type of news story: ______________________________________
Example: local news, state news, national news, school news and/or reviews.
First paragraph
Try to hook the audience by beginning with a funny, clever, or surprising statement. Go for variety – try to begin your article with a question or a provocative statement. In your first one or two sentences, address the issues of who, what, when, where, and why.
Second/third/fourth paragraphs
Give the reader the details by expanding on the five Ws – who, what, where, when and why. Include one or two quotes from people you interviewed (or were interviewed in the article you used). Write in the third person (he, she, it or they). Remember to state the objective, and never openly state your own opinion. Use quotes to express others' opinions.
Last paragraph
Wrap it up, and don't leave the reader hanging. Try ending with a quote, or a catchy phrase, or a concise summary.
This Just In
Assessment and Rubric
The aim of assessing the speaker is to improve the speaker’s confidence by diagnosing the performance and providing feedback regarding how well the speaker uses specific criteria. Also, note how elements such as tone, pitch and body language affect the message
Speech Objective: The speaker will conduct himself as a reporter to deliver a news story in order to inform the audience.
Speech Evidence: The objective will be evident when speakers demonstrate voice and body coordination in terms of delivery and how they conducted themselves in front of the camera.
Analysis: How well does the speaker reflect an understanding of the topic?
Reasoning: Is the speaker believable, and does the audience have enough background to understand the material?
Evidence: Is there enough information given to prove your points?
Organization: Does the news report flow from beginning to end?
Interest: Is the speaker interesting for the audience?
This Just In Rubric
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CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Score |
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Pitch |
Pitch was often used and it conveyed emotions appropriately. |
Pitch was often used but the emotion it conveyed sometimes did not fit the content. |
Pitch was rarely used OR the emotion it conveyed often did not fit the content. |
Pitch was not used to convey emotion. |
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|
Pauses |
Pauses were effectively used 2 or more times to improve meaning and/or dramatic impact. |
Pauses were effectively used once to improve meaning and/or dramatic impact. |
Pauses were intentionally used but were not effective in improving meaning or dramatic impact. |
Pauses were not intentionally used. |
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Body Language |
Facial expressions and body language generate a strong interest and confidence about the topic. Establishes eye contact with camera. |
Facial expressions and body language sometimes generate a strong interest and confidence about the topic. Occasionally establishes eye contact with camera. |
Facial expressions and body language are used to try to generate confidence and interest, but seem somewhat faked. Rarely establishes eye contact with camera. |
Very little use of facial expressions or body language. Did not generate much interest or confidence in topic being presented. Does not establish eye contact with camera. |
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|
Speaks Clearly |
Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time. There are no grammatical or speech errors. Action verbs are always used.
|
Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time. There is only one or two mispronounced words or grammatical errors. Action verbs are sometimes used. |
Speaks clearly and distinctly most ( 94-85%) of the time. There are two to three mispronounced words or grammatical errors. Action verbs are rarely used |
Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces most words. Speech is full of grammatical errors. Actions verbs are never used. |
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Content |
Shows a full understanding of the topic. |
Shows a good understanding of the topic. |
Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic. |
Does not seem to understand the topic very well. |
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Preparedness |
Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed. |
Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals. |
The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking. |
Student does not seem at all prepared to present. |
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Volume |
Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members throughout the presentation. |
Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 90% of the time. |
Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 80% of the time. |
Volume often too soft to be heard by all audience members. |
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