Newspaper Article Unit

Language - Writing
Over the last couple of days we have been looking at various articles from a
variety of mediums. It is now your turn to create a newspaper article. Using the strong
example, class notes and success criteria, you will choose a person to write a biography
on in a newspaper format.
Newspaper articles are written for a variety of purposes. They are written with a
specific Target Audience in mind for the purpose of informing, convincing, stating an
opinion or simply to entertain. Whatever the reason you are writing the article, the
PURPOSE must be evident.
All newspaper articles have 8 text features that we discussed and created a
reference list from our strong example. The text features are:

Headline
Subheading
Byline
Lead Paragraph
Body
Picture
Caption
Columns

You are expected to follow the usual writing plan; brainstorm, rough draft, self
edit, peer edit and finally publish on the computer. I will assist you with the publishing
part. Do not begin your final copy until you have set the columns (I can show you
how to do this).

Writing Biography
(Newspaper Articles)
Learning Intention: We are learning how to research a persons life in order to write a
biography in a newspaper format.
Success Criteria: We will be successful if

Article contains all newspaper text features

Lead paragraph contains 5 Ws
Article is relevant and has informative information on chosen person
Ideas are well organized and easy to follow
Used proper grammar convections and proper spelling

Language Achievement Levels Ontario Language Curriculum

Category
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Level 4

Knowledge
Use of proper newspaper
text features
- all 8 text features used
properly
- lead paragraph contains
the 5 Ws
Application
Applying proper writing
conventions
- spelling
- punctuation
- word choice
- grammar

demonstrates
limited
knowledge of
content

demonstrates
some knowledge
of content

demonstrates
considerable
knowledge of
content

demonstrates
thorough
knowledge of
content

applies
Knowledge
and skills in
familiar contexts
with limited
effectiveness

applies knowledge
and skills in familiar
contexts with
considerable
effectiveness

applies knowledge
and skills in familiar
contexts with a
high level of
effectiveness

Thinking &
Communication
Express ideas in a clear
and cohesive manner
- writing process was
followed
- main ideas are easy to
identify
- ideas are clear and
expanded on
Feedback:

expresses and
organizes ideas
and information
with limited
effectiveness

applies
knowledge
and skills in
familiar
contexts with
some
effectiveness
expresses and
organizes ideas
and information
with some
effectiveness

expresses and
organizes ideas
and information
with considerable
effectiveness

expresses and
organizes ideas
and information
with a high degree
of effectiveness

(Star)

(Wish)