Planning a Story

Instructions

Later in this class you will pitch an idea for a story, conduct interviews and write the story. For this assignment, however, you will practice planning out a story as discussed in the "Stages of the Writing Process" in Chapter 8 of your textbook.

To begin, you must conceive a story idea. Story ideas can be found in a variety of places, such as blogs, vlogs, Twitter and Facebook posts,  news releases (Links to an external site.) ,  city (Links to an external site.) , state (Links to an external site.), and federal government websites (EPA, FDA, etc.), to find expert sources as well as information about newsworthy happenings at UF. You may also be inspired by another news story you have read and want to approach writing about the topic in a different way.

Once you've conceived your idea, answer the following:

1. What's your story idea?

2. What struck you as most interesting or important about this topic?

3. What makes this topic newsworthy?

4. What is the main point of the story that readers need to know or would want to know? What facts would you need to include? 

5. Would you be writing a hard-news or news-feature story? What characteristics of the topic would lend itself to the style you chose? 

6. Who might you interview for your story, name three potential sources? (You don't need to list sources by name, their job description or qualities that would make them a good source will do. For example, if you are writing a story about a restaurant being shut down for health-code violations, you may want to interview the owner, an employee of the restaurant, and someone who has dined at the restaurant recently.)

7. How might the sources you have chosen contribute to the story?

Review the rubric before you begin this assignment and again before you submit to make sure you have addressed all the requirements. 

Rubric

Mod 2: Practice Planning a Story

Mod 2: Practice Planning a Story
Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStory Idea Discusses story idea and identifies what makes the topic newsworthy.		12.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStory Content Identifies important information regarding story topic, such as the 5 W’s and H. Identifies important facts that may be relevant and included in final story.		12.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStory Sources Identifies possible sources for story and what role these sources might play in helping tell the story.		12.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Mechanics and Grammar Assignment is free of typographical and grammar errors. Assignment follows format outlined in assignment instructions.		14.0 pts
Total Points: 50.0