Newspaper Planning Sheet
Headline:
Lead – the lead, or opening paragraph, is the most important part of the story. Grab the reader’s attention!
The Details –2 - 4 paragraphs after lead paragraph. Keep paragraphs short and to the point – remember there is a
maximum of 3 sentences per paragraph!
Who is the article about?
What is the article about?
When did the event take place?
Where did the event take place?
Why did the event take place? (This may be a paragraph alone)
Conclusion – End with a prediction or possible consequence.
*FINAL COPY must be written on separate eet in blue or black ink or typed; must include one picture or image.
Newspaper Activity Instructions
When Johnny and Ponyboy rescue the children from the burning church, the local
newspapers report the event under headlines such as；
“Juvenile Delinquents Turn Heroes.”
In the novel, S.E. Hinton gives the reader the headline, but doesn’t include the news
story that illustrates Greasers can act with extraordinary bravery.
Now, it’s your turn to write the story as it might have appeared in the newspaper!
Your newspaper article must abide by the following guidelines:
1. Write a headline (and possibly a sub-heading as well).
2. Your first paragraph will give a brief overview of the whole story and include an
attention-grabbing hook.
3. When you mention people in your article:
•give their full names the first time they are mentioned (e.g. Ponyboy Curtis
– not Ponyboy). After the first time they are mentioned, call them by their
surname (e.g. Curtis is being sought by the police.)
•give their age
•give their occupation (e.g. "Unemployed”, “shop assistant”, “student”, etc.)
4. Answer the “Who? What? When? Where? Why?” questions by adding plenty of
detailed information from the text in your paragraphs.
6. Your paragraphs should be short – a maximum of 3 sentences!
7. Include at least one short quote from a character in The Outsiders that you
could have interviewed about the event (e.g. one of Bob Sheldon’s friends, Cherry,
Sodapop, etc.).