News articles are typically about current events that are important to readers. They should be written to be both informative and interesting. It is also important to make sure the article is factually correct. In addition to checking basic facts, it is a good idea to cite sources when necessary and to give names and titles when possible. It is also helpful to put the article away for a day or two before editing and to have someone else read it.
When writing a news article, the first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention by presenting an interesting or dramatic anecdote or a surprising fact that is directly related to the story’s topic. This is usually known as a lede or lead. The following paragraphs should cover the story’s main point by answering the five W’s: who, what, when, where and why. This information will provide context for the event and place it in a time frame for readers.
The last paragraph should include any additional information that is relevant to the story, such as contact information, additional facts about the subject or people involved, and quotes from interviews. This will help to round out the story and will allow readers to engage with it on an emotional level.
There is usually no room in a news article to address all aspects of a current event. Journalists must choose what to focus on and who they interview carefully. They must also decide how to present the information in a way that is engaging and accessible to the widest audience possible.