Learning Log Meeting 6 Journalism - Feature Leads, Bodies and Conclusions

 

Learning logs

 

Topic	Feature Leads, Bodies and Conclusions
Date	April 10th, 2023
Sources/Links	Smith, D. (2010). Introduction to Journalism. Student Activities Book. TEACHINGpoint. The Expert Systems for Teachers Series. United States of America
Learned vocabularies, pronunciation & part of speech, definition, and in context (e.g., in a sentence)	1. Allusion =  [əˈlo͞oZHən] Part of speech: Noun Indonesian: kiasan Definition: an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference. e.g., “an allusion to Shakespeare" Synonyms: Metaphor, allegory, simile, similitude, hint   2. Startle = [ˈstärdl] Part of speech: Verb Indonesian: kejut Definition: cause (a person or animal) to feel sudden shock or alarm. e.g., “a sudden sound in the doorway startled her” Synonyms : Shock, surprise, daze   3. Coyote = [ˈkīˌōt] Part of peech: Noun Indonesian: Anjing hutan Definition: a wild dog that resembles the wolf, native to North America. Synonyms: Hyena, wolf, jackal   4. Heritage = [ˈherədij] Part of peech: Noun Indonesian: warisan Definition: property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance. e.g., “they had stolen his grandfather's heritage” Synonyms: Legacy, inheritance, patrimony   5. Mournful = [ˈmôrnfəl] Part of peech: Adjective Indonesian: sedih Definition: feeling, expressing, or inducing sadness, regret, or grief. e.g., “the third boy stared fixedly at me with mournful, basset-hound eyes” Synonyms: Sad, miserable, sorrowful

 

 

Synopsis

A feature or novelty is a storyteller. The focus is on whatever the reporter thinks will draw the reader into the story and make them want to read every word. The best hints for feature stories are those that sound natural, attract the reader's attention, and match the atmosphere and tone of the story.

There are some common types of feature leads:

·         Allusion leads: These clues give the reader a reference to a character from history, literature, or mythology and relate the reference to what is happening in the story.

·         Anecdotal leads: This type uses short stories to represent universal experiences.

·         Contrasts leads: These points show the opposite, such as hot and cold, wet and dry, rich and poor, past and present. They work when the contrast is clear and it relates to the subject of the story.

·         Parody leads: A famous song, poem, phrase, or title can be rewritten to start your story, if the reference is clear.

·         Narative leads: Through reading the leads, the reader feels as if he is in the middle of action.

·         Descriptive leads: The lead that can describe a person, place, or event.

·         Startling statement lead: This type of lead consists of a single statement which is designed to startle the reader, then, in subsequent paragraphs, it goes on to explain the situation.

·         Question lead: Use this type of lead with caution. Translation: almost never. Unless the question is very relevant, the lead will appear contrived and cliché.

·         Quotation lead: Again a caveat. Use with caution. If the quote is extremely powerful and dynamic and really captures the theme of the story, then perhaps it could be used as the lead. However, it might be better to make it the first quote following the lead.

The Body of the Story:

A feature requires more than a seductive lead and a jolting ending. It should draw the reader's attention with moments of tension and resolution. Some techniques that can be used include Repetition of core themes, metaphors and figurative languages, Varying sentiment and paraphrase length and place, and Consider the point of view.

The End of the Story

Almost as important as the main feature is the end of the feature story. This is where the reporter wraps everything up for the reader, ties all loose ends and tries to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In addition to the story, we can do different ways such as End on a powerful quote, End with an anecdote, Summarize the story in the final paragraph briefing, and Circle back to the lead.

 

 

Reflection

Through the materials “Feature Leads, Bodies and Conclusions”, I learned how to compose the news well. News has three parts: lead, body and conclusion. Lead becomes an important part of the news. So we have to really write it well, so that the reader wants to keep reading our writing until the end. The leads we write need to sound natural, attract the reader's attention and match the atmosphere and tone of the story. A feature requires more than a seductive lead and a jolting ending. The content should also draw the reader's attention by adding moments of tension and resolution. The ending of the feature story also has an equally important role. This is where the reporter wraps up the entire writing for the reader, ties all loose ends and tries to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In the future, hopefully I can continue to improve my skills in writing news.