Module: News writing skills

Graphic for a Media Helping Media course moduleThis six-week module provides an outline for teaching students how to improve their writing skills by enhancing precision, style, and clarity in journalistic writing.

It is designed for those starting off in journalism who want to understand how to write news stories that will inform the audience by using clear and understandable language.

The resources to support this module have been published on Media Helping Media. We recommend that trainers planning to adapt this module for local needs first read the resources listed in the module outline below.

Week 1: Foundations of effective news writing

Week 2: Grammar, language and style

  • Objective: To enhance understanding of grammar and style in a professional newsroom context.
  • Topics:
    • Grammar rules for journalists
    • Consistency in style and tone
    • Sentence construction and active writing
  • Resources:
  • Activities:
    • Grammar correction challenge
    • Rewrite copy to meet house style
    • Workshop: spotting style clashes in published stories

Week 3: Precision and word choice

  • Objective: To develop word awareness and improve the journalist’s ability to write with precision and impact.
  • Topics:
    • Choosing the right words
    • Reducing wordiness
    • Writing with energy and intention
    • Frequently confused words
  • Resources:
  • Activities:
    • Rewrite bloated copy for clarity
    • Identify ineffective word choices in sample reports
    • Peer-edit a story with a focus on precision

Week 4: Voice, verbs and sentence economy

Week 5: Style pitfalls and ethical word use

Week 6: Editing, attribution and final drafts

Summary

This six-week module equips journalists with the advanced skills needed to write clearly, accurately and responsibly. Participants progress from mastering basic structures to refining their editorial judgement, applying ethical language practices, and editing for publication.