Newswriting has its own unique style, just like every other form of communication. While fiction lets you explore creativity and essays dig deep into analysis, news articles get straight to the point.
From breaking stories about global events to uplifting profiles of local champions, the goal remains the same: to inform readers with accuracy and objectivity.
What is newswriting?
Newswriting is a journalistic writing style that provides factual, objective information. It aims to deliver the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” in an easily digestible way. This style of writing developed to inform people quickly, which was crucial during times of crisis or important events like wars, natural disasters, and political upheavals.
What is a news article?
A news article is the finished product or piece of writing that results from newswriting. Unlike other types of writing, such as technical or creative writing, which focus on detailed explanations or artistic expression, news articles prioritize delivering verified facts in a succinct, structured format.
Why news articles follow a specific structure
News articles are typically organized to deliver the most important information first. This structure, known as the “inverted pyramid,” has several benefits:
- Writers stay organized and focused.
- Editors can easily trim less essential content as needed, just by cutting from the bottom.
- Readers get the main points quickly, even if they skim.
Types of news articles
Newswriting takes many forms. Each type is tailored to a specific purpose:
- Breaking news covers immediate, fast-developing events.
- Feature stories offer a deeper look at a topic or issue.
- Editorials express opinions or commentary.
- Investigative reports uncover hidden truths or complexities.
Each format is tailored to fulfill its specific purpose, yet all share the goal of informing, engaging, and resonating with readers.
Key elements of a news article
The inverted pyramid structure
This structure lays out information so that the most important details come first, making it easy for readers to get the main points even if they don’t read the entire article.
Following the inverted pyramid, you start with the most important content—the “who, what, when, where, why, and how.” This is your lead, which we’ll explain in more detail below.
Then, you add details, like quotes and more context.
Finally, at the bottom, you include extra information that’s good for the reader to know but not essential.
An engaging lead
The lead is the opening paragraph of a news article—the top of the inverted pyramid. It sets the tone for the story and delivers the core facts to hook the reader. Note that an alternative spelling for this term, one that’s often used by practicing journalists, is “lede.”
If you’re familiar with how to write a blog post or essay, you know the start of the piece is critical. The same applies to newswriting. Write a compelling lead, or you might lose your audience before the second paragraph.
An effective nut graph
Following the lead is the nut graph, which adds context and explains why the story matters. The nut graph ties the facts you introduced in the lead to the bigger picture to show the significance and direction of the story.
The body
The body builds on the lead with facts, quotes, and context. Organize it clearly and logically to keep the reader engaged and support the main points introduced in the lead. Here are some writing tips:
- Follow the inverted pyramid style: the most important details first, supporting information next.
- Incorporate quotes from experts or witnesses to add credibility and perspective.
- Use topic sentences and transition phrases to guide the reader from one point to the next.
- Group related information together and use subheadings if necessary to help readers navigate.
Quotations and attribution
Quotes add authenticity and personality to your story. Use them to highlight key perspectives or insights you can’t paraphrase without losing meaning or impact.
Always double-check that quotes are accurate and correctly attributed. Misquoting a source or misattributing what someone said can undermine your credibility, mislead your readers, or send an unintended message.
Step-by-step guide to writing a news article
Step 1: Research and gather information
The first step is thorough research. Use reliable primary sources and secondary sources—think official reports, expert opinions, and industry publications—to ensure your facts are accurate and trustworthy.
When one or more interviews are needed, prepare your questions in advance, and record the interviews (with permission) for accurate quoting. Always fact-check and verify details to maintain credibility.
Before you start writing your article, think about how to organize and structure the information you’ve gathered. (Get tips on how to write an outline to organize your content effectively.)
Step 2: Write a strong lead (lede)
The lead is all about writing a great summary to hook the reader and deliver the most crucial information. It should answer the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” in a way that grabs attention and sets up the rest of the story.
Step 3: Draft the article body and conclusion
Use the inverted pyramid structure: start with the most important information and move to less critical details. Use subheadings or short paragraphs to stay organized.
Adding transitions—such as “in addition,” “therefore,” and “meanwhile”—will help you to maintain a logical flow and allow the reader to follow along.
Step 4: Include quotes and attribution
Quotes add credibility and depth to your story. Select quotes that provide new insights, emotions, or perspectives and help reinforce your main points.
Remember to attribute your quotes properly to maintain transparency and build trust with your audience. Make sure the source is clear, and use their exact words to avoid misrepresentation.
Step 5: Revise and edit
Finally, polish your article for clarity, conciseness, and objectivity. Here’s how you can revise your rough draft so it’s ready for publishing:
- Read your work aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or typos.
- Trim any unnecessary details or filler words to keep your story sharp and focused.
- Make sure your facts are accurate and your tone is neutral. For news articles, stick to third-person point of view to maintain objectivity.
Tips for polished and professional newswriting
Crafting headlines
Knowing how to write a catchy headline is critical in newswriting, so choose carefully.
This is where diction in writing is key. See how “School slashes lunch menu, sparking student outrage” is clearer and more engaging than “School reduces lunch options”?
When writing a headline, be concise and engaging. Use strong, action-oriented words and keep it informative to draw readers in.
Using short paragraphs
Be mindful of paragraph structure. Short paragraphs are easier to read and keep readers engaged. To help break up the text, limit your paragraphs to two to three sentences.
Avoiding common pitfalls
Newswriting can be tough for beginners, but understanding common pitfalls—including the ones listed below—can help improve your skills and expand your writing portfolio.
- Passive voice: Use active voice to make your sentences clearer and direct.
- Opinionated language: Stick to verified facts and direct quotes to convey opinions objectively.
- Unbalanced sources: Include diverse, credible sources to ensure your reporting is fair and comprehensive.
Using simple language
Your goal is to inform, not overwhelm. Use plain language in favor of jargon and technical terms unless necessary. If you need to use specialized terms, briefly explain them so readers can understand.
Following AP style and journalistic standards
AP (Associated Press) style is the standard for most newswriting. It’s concise, consistent, and widely recognized across journalism. You may already be familiar with some of the AP style rules, such as avoiding the Oxford comma and spelling out numbers one through nine.
Fact-checking
Double-check your facts by cross-referencing reliable sources. Be sure to look at official documents, public records, or data from government agencies.
Finally, check the small details, including names, dates, numbers, and attributions. Don’t assume an editor will catch your mistakes!
Examples of effective news articles
Timely news example
Wildfire forces thousands to evacuate in Northern California
A wildfire swept through Northern California on Sunday evening, forcing more than 5,000 residents to evacuate and threatening hundreds of homes. The fire, which started near the town of Sonoma, quickly spread due to high winds and dry conditions.
Firefighters are battling the blaze, but authorities have warned that the fire could continue to grow overnight.
Local officials have set up evacuation centers in nearby cities, and residents in the most affected areas were urged to leave immediately. “The situation is rapidly evolving, and we’re doing everything we can to contain the fire,” said Sonoma County Fire Chief Laura Hayes.
Witnesses described seeing the fire engulf dry grasslands and creep toward neighborhoods. “It was terrifying,” said local resident Mark Davis. “We barely had time to grab our things before we had to leave.”
Authorities continue to monitor the progress of the fire and have warned that more evacuations could be ordered as conditions change.
Feature story example
92 years of wisdom: The life of Jean Mendoza
Jean Mendoza, 92, recalls the day her family moved into the small farmhouse she still calls home. She’s lived through wars, seen electricity arrive in her town, and raised four generations under one roof. Today, she reflects on a life full of memories while sitting in her rocking chair, gazing out over the same fields she once helped plow with her father.
Jean was born in 1932, and her childhood was shaped by the challenges of rural life. “We didn’t have much, but we had each other,” she said, recalling lessons of resilience learned from making do with what they had.
Through the decades, Jean has seen her community transform. She remembers when the first electricity lines were brought to their town in the late 1940s. “Flipping on that light switch felt like magic,” she said with a smile.
Raising four children on the farm wasn’t easy, but Jean embraced the hard work. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” she said.
Jean’s memories stretch beyond her personal experiences to the broader shifts in rural America. She recalls a time when neighbors routinely gathered for barn raisings, church socials and harvest celebrations—events that not only fostered community spirit but also ensured survival. “We leaned on each other back then,” she said. “You couldn’t make it alone.”
Today, surrounded by family, Jean remains proud of the legacy she’s built—a testament to the strength of rural communities and the power of family.
News article FAQ
How do you start writing a news article?
Conduct research to make sure your facts are solid. Then, begin writing the article, starting with a strong lead that explains the “who, what, when, where, why, and how.”
What is the format of a new article?
News articles are usually written in the inverted pyramid style. They start with the most important information before sharing additional details, quotes, and context.
What are the 4 parts of a news article?
A news article includes a headline, lead, body, and conclusion. Each part serves a specific role: the headline grabs attention, the lead delivers the key facts, the body provides supporting details and context, and the conclusion adds perspective.
What is the golden rule of newswriting?
A well-known rule of newswriting is to always prioritize accuracy. Verify your facts with credible sources to ensure the information you share is truthful and reliable.