CHECKLIST
Genove, Maria Cecilia M. Feature Writing for Filipinos. QC: New Day Pub, 2004.
CHECKLIST
• Basic Considerations
• Startup Questions
• Gremlins to Avoid
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
1. Mechanics
• Longhand vs. typing
• Note taking vs. tape recording
• Text spelling vs. correct spelling
• Choose a method that you are most
comfortable with, even if “writing” actually
means using the computer keyboard.
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
2. Form
•
Chronology vs. importance vs. problemsolution vs. repetition vs. catalog
•
There is no “proper” form of feature
articles. The structure varies with the
material.
•
The forms represent only a beginning; the
possible variations are quite literally
endless.
BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
3. Style and Content
•
How long should the article be?
•
What subjects should be covered?
•
Who are the readers/ target audience?
•
What editorial policies are in place?
•
What stylistic devices are allowed?
•
What purpose does the write-up serve?
START-UP QUESTIONS
START-UP QUESTIONS
1. Have you thought of a good purpose or aim
in writing? If not, forget about writing,
because aimless writing is worse than no
writing.
2. Do have enough relevant material for your
subject? If not, gather some facts now.
3. Have you double-checked your facts?
Accuracy is the hallmark of a professional
writer.
START-UP QUESTIONS
4. Have you done the proper attributions?
Borrowed ideas and quoted material should
always be acknowledged.
5. Have you decided on a good title for your
write-up? Good titles are both attractive and
informative.
6. Do you have a good lead? It is easy to
develop a topic with a good lead.
START-UP QUESTIONS
7. Do you have an outline? An outline helps you
maintain a clear sense direction in your writeup. It is wise to have one.
8. Have you revised your manuscript? Revision
is effective in improving language and in
refining ideas.
GREMLINS
1. Faulty grammar
•
The fact that grammar has been taught
in high school and college is no
insurance against sloppy grammar in
the profession.
•
Be careful with how you write. Strive to
learn beyond the basics of subject-verb
agreement, verbals and punctuation
use.
2. Cliches
These expressions are redundant, if not
overused, so try newer and livelier
expressions for more effective writing.
2. Cliches
•
First and foremost
•
Last but not the least
•
Each and everyone
•
In the stillness of the night
•
So far and yet so near
•
Knight in shining armor
•
Pretty as a picture
2. Cliches
•
Fell down with a thud
•
Ways and means
•
Live happily ever after
•
Since time immemorial
3. Superfluous,
meatless writing
•
Excessive and repetitious language in terms
of words and ideas
•
Probable causes:
•
deficiency in vocabulary
•
bankruptcy in ideas
•
Do not beat around the bush.
•
Do slice off flabs.
•
Aim for clean, uncluttered writing.
“Copy” Time
.