News are stories about things that have happened and which affect people. They can be about current affairs, politics, sports or business. People can read newspapers, watch TV or radio, listen to podcasts and follow social media to get the latest news. News can be interesting, inspiring, empowering or even depressing depending on the nature of the story.
Many different theories exist about what makes something newsworthy. One theory is that the public’s reaction to events can determine whether or not they become newsworthy. Another is that newsworthy events must be new, unusual or unexpected. In order to be considered newsworthy, an event must also have significance. For example, if an insect is threatening crops that people depend on for survival, it may be newsworthy. However, if the insect is a common pest that does not threaten anyone’s livelihood, it is unlikely to be newsworthy.
Other factors that can influence the development of a news story include whether or not it is a human interest story, an issue of public importance and how the story relates to people’s daily lives. In addition, a news story can be made more compelling by its geographical location, the time of day or the season when it takes place. Finally, the source of a story can be important for its credibility. For example, a story about a celebrity’s scandalous behaviour is more likely to be reported than a report of an ordinary crime or weather event.
To write a news story, start with the key details about the event. This is known as the “nut graph”. It should answer the questions who, what, where, when and why. The nut graph should be included at the beginning of the article, as this is what grabs readers’ attention and draws them in. The rest of the article should contain information that supports the nut graph and helps readers understand why the event is significant.
Writing a short, snappy headline is another way to grab reader’s attention. A catchy, evocative phrase can be as effective as a paragraph of text. The headline should be clear and concise, and it should make an impression on the reader. A great headline will capture the audience’s attention, and it should be written in a style that is appropriate for the type of news it is.
While it’s important to stay informed, too much news can be stressful and even damaging to mental health. It’s important to strike a balance so that you can enjoy the benefits of news while still functioning as an active citizen in your community.
Reading newspapers, listening to radio or TV news and following social media can help you expand your vocabulary, and they can also be great practice for your listening skills. It’s particularly helpful to learn words related to government and policy, since these are topics that can have global implications. If you’re not interested in reading, you can also listen to podcasts and watch video news clips on YouTube or CTV.