Week 11

Week 9

So, How Should You Write a Newspaper Article?

Having analyzed newspaper articles over the last couple of weeks, by comparing stories written by two different journalists, in two different types of newspaper, and then having the opportunity two write two articles of my own, I would like to share the following observations;

1. What kind of paper is the piece written for - Local press or daily paper?
2. Who is the audience - what age and gender are they? What interests them?
3. The article needs to have "new" news, not "old" news.
4. A human interest makes the story more relevant to some readers. If the facts are about a local event or local people are involved, this will make the article of local interest in the local paper(s).
5. An unexpected or unusual event/ or article/ or story makes it more attractive to the reader, or even humorous. This could be supported by a relevant photograph. Quotations from an expert or witness are good support.
6. An eye catching photograph doesn't always have to be very complicated, sometimes a simple grouping in a picture tells a good story.
7. The language used depends on the audience, usually a simple, clear explanation is best. Both technical and colloquial language are used for a specific audience who have a specialized interest. 

Simple language can be understood by all!

   

Week 10

Week 10

This week I am writing my own article about what a teenager can experience in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal.

A Young Teenager in Rathmullan

Hidden away in the extreme north of Ireland, lies the small seaside village of Rathmullan...

Kate Jackson 

Situated on the western shore of Lough Swilly, Rathmullan holds an important place in a major turning point in Irish history; the Flight of the Earls in 1607. However, I am not going to tell you about the aristocrats’ departure from the

 shores of Rathmullan. I am instead, going to travel 405 years on to the summer of 2014.

A typical 21^st Century summer in County Donegal usually brings with it a lot of rain and dull skies, but whatever the weather, Rathmullan is always bursting with life.  The village stores get plenty of customers and the bars and restaurants serve delicious food, long into the night. Families of all shapes and sizes flock the beaches, ice-creams in hand and new friends are made as the battle to create the world’s biggest sandcastle commences.

This is all very well but until a few years back, standing to the side of the fun and games were the teenagers. Bathing and splashing around in the Swilly is all very well but the novelty wears off as you become interested in the likes of YouTube and Facebook. It has only been towards the end of this year that Wi-Fi has become available in most of the local eateries, but with so much for the young folk to do, the older generations get the most use out of it.

Today’s teenagers have been gifted with the fantastic Rathmullan Sailing and Watersports School. Since discovering this, most days my friends and I can be found sailing a Laser Bahia round the bay before heading over to Inch Island with the rest of the school for a picnic on the beach.  The school has teamed up with Adventure One to offer courses in sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. All sailing courses are taken from the ISA syllabus. The village is also home to a brand new tennis court, football pitch, putting green and resource center which are all open to the public. There are also many open mic nights in the bars which teens can attend. There are also many festivals on throughout the summer months which are fun for all the family.

Yet again Rathmullan has not failed to disappoint me this summer and as always I enjoyed every minute spent and every breath of sea air inhaled there. So, if you ever find yourself wandering along Bat’s Walk or strolling the length of the beach, look out for me; the girl with the brown hair matted with sea spray. Come on over, don’t feel too embarrassed to say hello, for I will gladly share with you the many secrets of Kinnegar Cove and the magic that lies beneath the rocky shores.