Study the information in the box

A news report is a brief piece of writing for publication in a newspaper, giving factual information concerning an important current event. It is formal and impersonal in style, presenting facts objectively and unemotionally. A successful report should consist of: a) a headline which is short and eye-catching, giving the reader an idea of the subject of the report; b) an introductory paragraph which summarises the event, including information about the people involved, the place, the time, etc.; c) a main body in which the relevant information is developed in detail, including an explanation of the cause (s) and result(s) of the event; d) a conclusion which mentions the significance of the event, future action to be taken, reactions / comments of a witness / spokesperson, etc.

Headline Introduction Paragraph 1 Summary of event – what / who / where / when / how / why Main Body Paragraph 2-3-4 Description / details of event Cause(s) and result(s) Conclusion Final paragraph reference to future developments / comments / reactions

Useful tips: · Comments made by witnesses, victims, the police, etc. may be given in direct or indirect speech: e.g. “We won’t give in,” commented a workers’ spokesman. The two boys later admitted that what they had done was wrong. · Passive voice and appropriate reporting verbs are widely used in news reports, together with a range of linking words and time expressions.