Sports NewsWhat is Sports News?

Sports news is in the sports section of a newspaper in which the sportswriter reports the scenes of sports, tournaments and games such as athletics, football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, handball, softball, tennis table tennis, boxing, swimming, gymnastics, archery, fencing, golf, squash, shooting, rowing, rugby, football, American football, hockey, billiards and snooker, wrestling, bowling, canoeing, cycling, equestrian events, taekwando, judo, sepak takraw, weightlifting, yachting, and Muay Thai.

Similar to other types of news stories, a sports news story consists of the headline, lead and body. The difference lies, however, in its use of precise, concise, lively, attractive and informal language

http://e-book.ram.edu/e-book/e/EN421/en421-11.pdf

Sports News is a form of writing that reports on sporting topics and games. While the sports department within some newspapers has been mockingly called the toy department, because sports writers do not concern themselves with the 'serious' topics covered by the news desk, sports coverage has grown in importance as sport has grown in wealth, power and influence.

Sports news is an essential element of any news media organization. Sports journalism includes organizations devoted entirely to sports reporting —newspapers 

Before the age of ESPN, the Internet, and instant replay, it was the reporter in the stands writing up the game for the local paper, and, okay, also the guy covering it live on radio, who made fans feel like they were right there, cheering on their favorite team, game after game. If you're a rabid fan yourself, and want to try writing sports articles,step up to the plate. Even if you aren't a sports nut, in a sports-crazy society, having the ability to write a solid sports article can be an asset for any freelance writer. To write a sports article, you will use general journalism "tricks of the trade" and also some specific sports writing techniques.

Tips in writing a Sports Article

1. Have a strong lead. 

- Start your sports article out with a strong lead, one that encapsulates the available information on "who, what, where, when, why and how."

2. Write clearly and concisely. 

- Include context and metaphor and technical sports terms, -- but they're also to the point and generally stick to basic vocabulary. Being specific is one of the more basic tips for article writing.

3. Know the context.

- Have a basic working knowledge of the universe on which you're reporting.

- Know about specific sports including rules, history, league standings, current controversies and other information.

4. Give the major play-by-play.

- Report the basic chronology--beginning, middle, and end, of the sporting event--with details about the major moments: turning points, big plays, big mistakes, and momentum-builders. In other word, you're providing something of a verbal highlight reel.

5. Use quotes as often as possible.

- Asking good questions and collecting answers from players and coaches is an important part of writing your article. Be prepared when approaching your interview subject.

- Incorporate these quotes into the body of your article.

6. Check your facts.

- You must correctly present the facts.- A clean, concise sports article will have its facts straight.

After you have a firm grasp on how to write articles, then write specifically for sporting events; your articles could provide vital information and insight to rabid and casual fans alike.

http://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a4594-how-to-write-a-sports-article.html

Quick Tips: To report well on a sport, you must know the sport thoroughly. Check your facts: Sports involve many people, stats and

technicalities.

Sports Lingo

Basketball

24-Second Violation

Definition

This occurs when the offensive team in basketball either does not attempt a shot or attempts a shot that

does not at least hit the rim or goes in the basket within the 24-second shot clock. Only the NBA, WNBA

and FIBA basketball game’s shot clock is 24 seconds long.

Example

The air ball as the shot clock expires results in a 24-second violation.

The defense smothers the offensive player who is unaware of the clock winding down and is then

charged with a 24-second violation as the shot clock expires.

All Ball

Definition

This is term that a player uses as their defense when they have been called for a foul during a block

attempt in basketball. The defensive player claims that they did not touch the offensive player and

touched nothing but the ball and got a clean block.

Example

The center claims that he didn’t commit the foul on the block attempt and got all ball.

Alley Oop

Definition

This is an offensive play in basketball where one player throws the ball up in the air near the basket and

another offensive player grabs the ball in mid-air and scores, usually with a dunk.

Example

The point guard tosses up an alley oop to the center who slams it home for an easy two points.

Assist

Definition

A player is given an assist after they pass the ball to a teammate who then makes a field

goal immediately after receiving the pass. A passer can even be credited with the assist after the

teammate who receives the pass dribbles the ball and then makes the field goal. However, only one

assist can be given per field goal made, which is the last pass given to the teammate before the field goal.

Example

The point guard earns the assist after he dishes a nice bounce pass to the center under the basket, who

then dunks the ball for an easy two points.

Backcourt Violation

Definition

There are two instances of a backcourt violation in basketball:

When an offensive player touches the ball in the backcourt, after it has already been brought into the front

court and it hasn’t been touched by a defensive player last.

Examples

The offense is called for a backcourt violation after the point guarddribbles the ball off his foot and he

grabs the ball after it goes into the backcourt.

Buzzer Beater

Definition

This is a shot in basketball that is taken in the final seconds and made before the buzzer sounds.

Example

Jordan drives to the free throw line, pulls up and hits the buzzer beater to win the game.

Dribble

Definition

Basketball

This is a legal method of advancing the ball up the court by an offensive player. The player can only

dribble the ball with one hand and can either be standing, running or walking with the ball. Once the

player pulls up their dribble and stops, they cannot start again, otherwise they will be called for a double

dribbleviolation.

Examples

Basketball

Paul dribbles up court and dishes a perfect alley-oop to Griffin for the dunk.

Rebound

Definition

Basketball

A rebound occurs in basketball when a player gains possession of the basketball after a missed field

goal,three-point field goal or free throw attempt. The basketball usually hits off the rim or the backboard

before the player gains possession of the ball and is credited with the rebound. However, a player will not

be given credit for a rebound after gaining possession of the ball after a blocked shot. There are only two

different kinds of rebounds in basketball and they’re called offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds.

Examples

The center boxes out his opponent and grabs the defensive rebound after the missed three.

Traveling

Definition

This is a violation in basketball when the player who is holding the basketball moves one or both of their

feet illegally. The most common way a player gets called for traveling is when they are holding the ball

after picking up their dribble and they move their pivot foot. Another common way a player is called for

traveling is when they take three or more steps when not dribbling the ball.

Example

The point guard slashes to the basket and scores, but has the basket called off when he takes one too

many steps and is called for traveling.

Zone Defense

Definition

This is a type of defense where a defensive player is assigned a specific area on the court, field or ice

and is responsible for covering any player that comes into that designated area. The defensive player is

supposed to stay in his assigned area at all times.

Example

With the big lead, the defense can afford to drop into zone coverage and play less aggressively.

Volleyball

AceDefinitionThis refers to a serve that goes untouched, therefore resulting in a point for the serving team.ExampleThe player puts up a monster serve that speeds past the receiving player, untouched. And with that ace, the player wins the match.

ApproachDefinitionThis refers when a spiker quickly strides towards the net before they jump in the air for an attack.ExampleThe outside hitter approaches the net, jumps and slams home the spike for a point.

Attack BlockDefinitionThis is when a defender, or receiver,  tries to block a spike from an attacking player before it crosses over the net.ExampleThe defensive player stuffs the outside hitter’sspike attempt for a textbook attack block.

Bump PassDefinitionThis is a method of passing or setting the ball up to a teammate by joining the forearms together, extending your arms in front of you and bumping the ball off of them in an underhand manner.ExampleThe libero uses a bump pass to hit the ball over to the setter who sets it up for an easy spike by the outside hitter.

DigDefinitionThis refers to when a player prevents the ball from hitting the ground on their side of the net after an opponent has spiked or served the ball towards them.ExampleWith the game on the line, the libero makes a diving dig to keep the play alive.

DinDefinitionThis is when the attacking player lightly taps the ball over the net to an area on the opponent’s side of the court that is not being guarded or occupied by a defensive player. The intent of this soft, legal push of the ball is to get it past the blockers.ExampleThe setter tricks the defense and lightly dinks the ball over the net for an easy point.

Jump ServeDefinitionThis is a type of overhand serve in volleyball where the server throws the ball high into the air then makes a timed approach and makes contact with the ball, sending it over the net and with a lot of topspin and speed.ExampleThe player executes the perfect jump serve and places the ball just out the defender’s reach for the ace.

KillDefinitionThis is a spike, or attack, in volleyball that cannot be returned by the defensive team therefore resulting in an immediate point for the offensive team.ExampleThe outside hitter spikes the ball past the diving defender and now has 12 kills on the night.

SetDefinitionsThis refers to a skill in volleyball where an offensive player directs the ball to an area by the net so that a teammate can spike the ball into the opponent’s court.ExampleThe player places the perfect set on the far side of the court that enables the outside hitter to spike home another point.

SpikeDefinitions

1. This is a form of attack in volleyball when the ball is hit with force with the intention of it hitting the opponent’s side of the court without the chance of it being defended.ExampleWith that spike, the outside hitter now has 12 killson the night.

BoxingBarnburner

Definition

This is a term that is used to describe a really exciting and good boxing match. These types of boxing

matches are intense and are very hard to determine who is winning the match until the very end of the

fight. A barnburner fight usually goes the distance, with the winner being determined in the final seconds

of the bout.

Example

Going into the final round, this fight has turned into a real barnburner, as both fighters deserve to win

tonight. Their intense exchange of punches and non-stop brawl makes this fight one of the best we’ve

seen in a while.

Fight Card

Definition

The fight card is a program or itinerary of all the boxing matches that are to take place during one boxing

event. A fight card usually contains one main event and the undercard. A fight card is usually just referred

to as the Card.

Example

It’s going to be a great night of boxing. On the card tonight is Jones versus Hughes, Davis versus Brown

and for the main event we have Spencer versus Mason.

Club Fighter

Definition

This is a term that is used to describe a professional boxer who tends to fight locally and is not nationally

recognized or known. Club fighters tend to not be as well respected as other professional fighters

because of their mediocre or poor records or they may be fighters who are now on the decline.

Example

A club fighter coming out of Philadelphia, this fight is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Smith to prove

he’s ready to fight with the big boys.

Counterpunch

Definition

A counterpunch is a boxing punch that is immediately thrown after an attack from an opponent. The

fighter will attempt to block or dodge their opponent’s punch, then attack the new opening in their

opponent’s guard.

Example

The champ is able to slip past a strong right cross from the challenger and immediately counters with

strong jabs to his body.

Glass Jaw

Definition

This is a term that is used to describe a fighter who’s susceptible to an easy knock0ut. This term does not

mean that the fighter has a structurally weak jaw or chin.

Example

Jones showed his glass jaw once again, getting knocked out for the third time in his last four fights.

K.O. (Knockout)

Definition

This is the abbreviation for knockout. A K.O. (knockout) occurs when a fighter is knocked to the floor and

is unable to get to their feet before the referee reaches a count of 10.

Example

This victory marks number 12 for his career and his ninth by K.O.

Southpaw

Definition

A southpaw is a left handed fighter. This means that the fighter jabs with their right hand and throws their

power punches with their left hand. Southpaw fighters are also called unorthodox fighters.

Example

Jones never felt comfortable fighting the southpaw the entire bout, and it was his opponent’s powerful left

hook that caught him off guard and knocking him out.

Sucker Punch

Definition

This is a type of punch that catches the opponent off-guard, usually when they are not prepared to defend

themselves or are unaware the punch is being thrown. A sucker punch is usually thrown while in close-

range or from behind an opponent. This type of punch is considered unethical and dirty.

Example

Before the bell is rung, Smith delivers a dirty sucker punch to his opponent’s chin. The referee issues a

warning to Smith for the punch.

Undercard

Definition

The undercard refers to the preliminary matches or bouts that occur before the main event on a card

or fight card. This term is commonly used to describe the matches before the main event in boxing.

Example

Tonight is sure to be an exciting night with the undercard containing some of the best up-and-coming

names in boxing.

Uppercut

Definition

This is a power punch used in boxing that is aimed at the opponent’s chin. The uppercut starts low around

the opponent’s midsection, with the punch coming up from below and usually making contact with the

opponent’s chin or other parts of their head.

Example

Jones gets in close to the challenger and unleashes a massive uppercut to his opponent’s chin, causing

his head to fly backward.

SoccerAssist

Definition

Basketball

A player is credited with an assist when they pass the ball to a teammate that leads to a goal. A player

can also be credited with an assist after their shot is blocked by a defender, goalie or goalpost and then

another player scores a goal off that rebound. A maximum of two assists can be given per goal.

Examples

The forward earns the assist after his teammate knocks in the goalie’s deflection for the second goal of

the game at the 23rd minute.

Back-Heel Kick

Definition

This is a move in soccer where the player with the ball brings their foot forward in front of the ball, then

kicks the ball backward using the heel of their foot. This technique is usually used to pass the ball to a

teammate.

Example

Jones dribbles the ball up the field and uses a back-heel kick to pass the ball behind him to a teammate

who kicks it in for a goal.

Brace

Definition

This is a term used in soccer to describe when a player has scored two goals in a single game.

Example

Foster takes the back-heel pass from Beckett and kicks the ball into the top right corner of the net, just out

of the goalie’s reach. With that goal, Foster has his second brace of the season and has a chance with 10

minutes left in the game to get his first hat trick of his career. Foster is credited with the assist.

Corner Kick

Definition

This is a free kick that is awarded to the attacking team that is to be taken from a corner of the field. The

free kick is awarded after the ball has been kicked out of bounds and over the goal line (outside the posts)

by the defending team.

Example

With it being too crowded around the net, the defending team kicks the ball out of bounds to prevent an

easy goal. The Devils will now get a corner kick on the far side of the field.

Dribble

Definition

This is a method of advancing the ball on the soccer field where the player controls the soccer ball by

keeping it close to their feet and kicking it lightly.

Examples

Jones dribbles the ball up field, moves past the first defender then uses a back-heel kick to pass the ball

to his teammate for a goal.

Drop Kick

Definition

This is a method of kicking the ball in soccer, used by the goalie. A drop kick is when the goalie picks up

the ball, then drops the ball directly in front of them and kicks before it hits the ground.

Example

The goalie makes a miraculous diving save then immediately gets to his feet and drop kicks the ball up

field.

Friendly

Definition

1. This is a match that is arranged between two teams that has no competitive value of any kind attached

to it. For example, the outcome of the match will not hurt or help a team’s ranking in the standings or their

placement in any upcoming tournament. It’s common for friendly matches, also known as exhibition

matches, to be played for entertainment purposes or to help raise money charity. Friendlies are also

arranged between teams as a warm-up before the season begins so that the teams are exposed to a

competitive style of play from players that are not on their own team.

Example

The men’s soccer teams from the United States and Mexico will play a friendly match this weekend to

help warm-up for their tournament next month.

Offside

Definition

This is a foul when a pass is made to an attacking player who is on the opposition’s side of the field and is

closer to the opposition’s goal line than both the ball and two or fewer opposing players. The goalkeeper

counts as one of the opposing players.

Examples

The attacker receives the pass from the defender, but is just too far out in front and is called for an

offside.

Rebound

Definition

A rebound occurs in basketball when a player gains possession of the basketball after a missed field goal,

three-point field goal or free throw attempt. The basketball usually hits off the rim or the backboard before

the player gains possession of the ball and is credited with the rebound. However, a player will not be

given credit for a rebound after gaining possession of the ball after a blocked shot. There are only two

different kinds of rebounds in basketball and they’re called offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds.

A rebound in soccer is when the ball bounces off the goalie after they make a save and the ball remains

in play.

Examples

The goalie makes the initial save, but the attacker is right there to kick the rebound into the goal

immediately.

Shutout

Definition

1. This refers to when a team wins a game or match by not allowing the opposition to score. In other

words, one team does not score during the game.

Example

Baseball & Softball

1. And with that final strikeout, Jones finishes the game and gets his first career shutout.

Here are some examples of a good sports story. . . .

BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines — Yeng Guiao of Rain or Shine stressed the importance of this game. San Mig Coffee’s Tim Cone stressed the importance of just getting some rest going into this game.The Elasto Painters and the Mixers lock horns again as they break a 1-1 tie in their PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup title series at 8 p.m. Wednesday with Guiao saying that a win is crucial and Cone harping that the three-day rest before Game 3 could prove pivotal for the long haul.“Winning Game 1 gave us the adjustment advantage, but we cannot afford to give up that advantage,” Guiao said after losing Game 2 on Sunday night.“San Mig is too experienced to let them have the lead in this series. “Game 3 is really big for us,” added Guiao, who is seeking his first all-Filipino crown in a highly successful career. “We need to find the proper adjustments and execute better.”Nine games in 2 weeks. San Mig played a total of nine games in the last two weeks or so, and that easy Game 2 win on Sunday that resulted in Peter June Simon and James Yap playing just a combined 46 minutes, was the bonus Cone was looking for after tying the series.“Though we want to get back on the horse and play again, any break at this point is good for us,” Cone said before pointing out the downside of the three-day lull. “Yeng is a master strategist. You give him two days and he’ll have a lot of things to throw at us.“We can’t relax too much,” Cone said. “We need to keep our concentration, keep our momentum going.”The thing that Guiao needs to figure out is how to make his players regain their shooting touch.Six of 26 three-point baskets On Sunday, the Elasto Painters went 0-for-10 from three-point range in the first half before finishing the night with a 6-of-26 clip.They shot just 23 of 52 attempts from two-point zone and were never really in the game after a 4-4 tie in the first minute. “We struggled all game long with our offense,” Guiao said. “I think San Mig needs to be given credit for playing really good defense. Aside from the fact that we couldn’t make shots, their defense really compounded our problems.”Second straight all-Filipino Finals Only Jeff Chan finished in twin digits for the Painters, who are in their second straight all-Filipino Finals.And for them to not lose the upper hand that Guiao talked about, they need to be able to hit their target again.That loss was the first for Rain or Shine against the Mixers this season, and it was just the Painters’ second setback in their last 15 games. The other loss came against Petron Blaze in the Final Four which snapped an 11-game winning streak

http://sports.inquirer.net/145672/san-mig-coffee-rain-or-shine-break-1-1-tie#ixzz2tmkTVjcm 

VOLEYBALLAdamson men’s volleyball team sings their alma mater hymn after completing the UAAP final four cast. Photo by Celest Flores/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson made most of a second chance and nabbed the last final four spot from La Salle in the UAAP season 76 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday.The Falcons gave the Green Archers the boot with a masterful 25-20, 27-25, 25-23 win in a playoff match at the Arena in San Juan to complete the men’s semifinals cast.Adamson was given another crack when La Salle, which just needed a win to advance, fell to a mammoth upset by University of the East, who was winless for the first 13 games, last Sunday.“Maybe this was meant for us,” an elated head coach Domingo Custodio said in Filipino after the match. “I already told my players to rest before we found out we still had a chance.”The Falcons, aware of their size disadvantage against the Green Archers, made up for it with super reception and sturdy finishing each set.“We really practiced our reception. That’s what we want. They’re tall, so we want to have a good reception to counter that,” said Custodio.Adamson always trailed La Salle early each set, even by as many as 13-8 in the third set, but had no problems turning things around.In the second set, the Green Archers were a point away from tying the game but the Falcons didn’t back down for a 27-25 win.“I just reminded them to stick to our game plan, ‘receive, receive, receive,’ I sounded like a broken record but that’s what we needed to do,” said Custodio.Michael Sudaria, who is playing on his final year, finished with 16 points while John Edison Mallapre added 14 points, including three blocks.The Falcons will face no. 1 seed National University, which has a twice-to-beat-edge, in the final four on Saturday

http://sports.inquirer.net/145716/adamson-ousts-la-salle-to-nab-last-final-4-slot-in-uaap-mens-volley#ixzz2tmlzIg1e 

BOXINGManny Pacquiao. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao will level up his conditioning regimen next week when he steps into the ring for the first time since dominating Brandon Rios last Nov. 24 in Macau.Slowly getting into shape, Pacquiao again did the mitts with Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez at Pacman Wild Card Gym Tuesday, according to trusted aide Roger Fernandez.After doing his routine training sequence, Pacquiao met with sparring partner Lydell Rhodes, who arrived in General Santos City from the United States on Monday afternoon along with his adviser Michael Koncz.Knowing that the unbeaten Rhodes (19-0, 9 KOs) is still suffering from jet lag, Pacquiao told the Tim Bradley build-alike to take a rest and prepare for next week’s sparring sessions instead.Pacquiao, who has been doing morning run since returning from the US last week, is looking forward to the training camp designed by chief trainer Freddie Roach for his rematch with Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas.In their first duel on June 9, 2012, Bradley eked out a widely lambasted split decision to snare Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight crown.

http://sports.inquirer.net/145663/pacquiao-sparring-next-week#ixzz2tmk59Piv 

SKATINGMichael Christian Martinez of the Philippines competes in the men’s free skate figure skating final at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. AP/Ivan Sekretarev

MANILA, Philippines—He entered the biggest sporting stage with the modest goal of making it to the top 24 but Michael Martinez, the Philippines’ brave lone Winter Olympian, achieved way more than that.In two nights, Martinez turned “triple Axel jump” into a household phrase and managed to make the entire nation rally behind him with his gutsy and inspired performances in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.With his routines scheduled near midnight in Manila time, it seemed like every Filipino stayed up to witness him make history on the rink—holding their breaths as he soared through a triple Axel, and crossing their fingers that Martinez won’t spill.And the 17-year-old Martinez, the youngest among the seasoned competitors, definitely didn’t disappoint as he wound up 19th out of the top 24 at the close of the men’s figure skating competition.He garnered a score of 64.81 in the short skate where he performed to the tune of “Romeo and Juliet,” then wowed in the free skate routine over the beat of “Malagueña” to earn 119.44 for the total of 184.25.The 19-year-old Yuzuru Hanyu handed Japan its first-ever gold medal in a record-setting fashion, Canada’s Patrick Chan bagged silver and Kazakhstan’s Denis Ten went home with the bronze medal.Martinez held the top spot after the first six skaters but gradually slipped down to his final placing.In fact, it wasn’t just the Filipinos who were enamored with the gangly Martinez, even the foreign media couldn’t help but be drawn to his inspiring story: a kid who started in a mall ice skating rink in the humid Manila who ended up in the medal round in the Olympics.His story, including the sacrifices he and his family made just to be able to sustain his figure skating dreams, were heard by thousands as it was carried by major news outfits from all over the world.And getting that sustained financial support for his build-up until the 2018 Winter games doesn’t seem like a far-fetched idea now with the immense promise Martinez showed.He may not be going home with a shiny medal dangling from his neck, but Martinez gained the attention and respect of the not only the entire nation but also the world.

http://sports.inquirer.net/145328/sochi-olympics-martinez-ends-up-at-19th-but-gains-attention-of-nation-world#ixzz2tmlEdvIr 

SOCCERMANILA, Philippines—Jinggoy Valmayor, league’s leading goal scorer, will miss two games in the best-of-three finals series of the UAAP men’s football tournament.Valmayor, the former rookie of the year, has been suspended for “violent conduct,” according to the tournament commissioner Rely San Agustin.So the Maroons will have to get past no. 1 Far Eastern University sans their top offensive option starting Thursday in game 1 at the FEU-Diliman gym.If the series reaches a sudden death, Valmayor could suit up for the Maroons.The national under-23 squad standout was sent off last week for headbutting University of Santo Tomas’ Nicanor Palacio in their final four match.“I’m disappointed,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales regarding Valmayor’s actions.Meanwhile, the Tigresses and the Lady Tamaraws begin their own best-of-three finals in UAAP football at 10 a.m., also at FEU-Diliman field.

http://sports.inquirer.net/145739/ups-valmayor-banned-2-games-as-uaap-football-finals-begins#ixzz2tmjXuuy6 

QUIZTell which sport do these leads belong.

1. Morrison won the first three rounds of the scheduled 12-round fightscoring mostly with overhand rights and jabs.

2. American David Wheaton bear compatriot Michael Chang 6-3, 7-6yesterday to advance to the final.

3. Iran took the first gold medal at the 9” Asian Track and Field Championship yesterday as Hamid Sadjadi won the 3,000 meter steeplechase in eight minutes 33.89 seconds.

4. A lo-man Bulgarian side held-off Paraguay in the dying minutes to come away with a goalless draw in their World Cup opener yesterday.

5. Veteran Mark Woodforde stunned Pete Sampras on one of the American’s favorite surfaces yesterday, scoring a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the third round of the Queen’s Club grass court Championships.

6. Former women’s world No. 1 Steffi Graf had to battle for nearly two hours before beating Australian qualifier Renae Stabb 5-7,6-2,6-4 in the second round of the WTA tournament here on Wednesday. (Tennis)

7. Athletes in four events set records for the year at the Slovnaft Grand Prix track meet on Tuesday.

8. Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (Tawa) yesterday optimistically predicted that a quarter of Thai woman lifters would qualify for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and at least a gold medal could be within reach.

9. One of the fiercest rivalries in European football will be rekindled when Belgium and Holland meet in their opening Group E match today.

10. The Buick Classic at Westchester Country Club has a leader other than Ernie Els for the first since 1995 as Kevin Sutherland fired a seven-under 64 on Thursday for a one-shot lead after the first round.

ACTIVITY

Write an article about La Salle Lady Archers’ Performance during UAAP ’76.

ACTIVITY

Write an article comparing Jeric Teng’s and Jeron Teng’s performance during UAAP ’75

HANDOUT

Improgo, David Timothy B.IV-Gaileo

Feature Writing

Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of a feature article.2. Write their feature article.3. Know the difference between a news article and feature article.

What is Feature Writing?

Feature writing tells the reader story and narrates it in a vivid way. It allows the reader to see the detailed description of the story. It also uses quotes.

Parts of Feature Writing:

Beginning- Also called as the lead.- Must grab the reader’s attention by using interest- arousing words.- Must be catchy.- Should be specific to your story.- Should be in third person point of view.

Common types of Leadso Narrative – tells a story

o Descriptive – describes a scene, person, or subject.

Other types of Leads

o Colour piece

o Fly on the wall

o Behind the scenes

o In disguise

o Interview

o Profile

o How-To

o Fact box / Chronology

o Backgrounder / A history of

o Full texts

o My testimony

o Analysis

o Vox pop  / Expert roundup

o Opinion poll

o Review

Pitfalls in writing Leadso Writing in first person point of view

o Writing in second person point of view.

o Over usage of phrases or expressions (clichés).

o Stating the obvious.

Body

- Tells the summary of what the story is all about.- Answers the questions: (5w’s and h)

1) What2) Who3) When4) Where5) Why6) How

End- Should be connected with your lead.- Use a powerful quote.- Should leave an impact in your reader’s minds.

Pitfalls in writing a feature storyo Usage of too much adjectives and adverbs.

o Story with an unpleasant and unorganized flow of events.

o Writing in passive voice.

o And of course, bad and messy handwriting

Writing Your Own Feature Article

Find your story. Look for not only at what interests you, but what people are, and have

been, talking about. Pay attention to the news. Sometimes feature articles come from looking at

a news article and asking why that incident occurred. Is there something happening in your community that might be of interest to

the country or the world?

Learn more about your story. Proper research will provide the meat for your story.

Gather information from interview sources and previously published material.

Decide on what type of feature you want to write. There are many kinds, from the personality profile to the how-to feature.

You might want to find out what people are thinking about what's in the news for a news feature or put a human touch on an historical event.

The primary objective of an informational feature is educating the reader. The most common type of feature writing is the human interest story that

tugs on heartstrings by recounting how someone overcomes insurmountable odds.

Organize your feature article by thinking of it as a three-act play. The first act is the introduction, in which the freelance writer introduces the

subject while capturing the reader's interest. The second act of feature writing is the body, which provides the

information in an interesting, logical manner. This is where you'll often see quotes.

The last act of your feature is the conclusion, in which you pull everything together.

Think about the best style for a feature article. Often this is determined by the subject and the type of feature.

Consider whether the feature comes across as chatty or literary, humorous or serious. Match the style to the tone of the subject.

Look for variety in sentence and paragraph structure. No one wants to read long paragraphs exclusively and short sentences give feature writing a staccato effect.

Add details to keep a feature article interesting. Freelance writers use anecdotes, descriptive writing, figures of speech, facts, comparison vs. contract, and even shifts in time (flashback and foreshadowing) to keep a reader reading.

Create titles that not only add interest to a piece, but communicate what a story is about.

Feature writing often includes subheadings. Three is an average number of sections with subheadings. Use too many and you'll lose the interest of reader and editor, alike.

Tips in writing your own Feature Article

If you're feature writing for a specific publication, take a look at its pages to

get an idea of the style and format the editors prefer. If a publication prefers

an analytical style, it probably won't consider a feature written in an

informal, colloquial manner.

Ask your friends for further ideas.

Check if your spellings are right or not.

Write the main article funnier and more attractive. You'll need to collect

details about the topic.

Add your thoughts about the topic. Don't mind if people like what you said

or not.

Add a sidebar or two for added interest. Sometimes more information can

be attached to a feature. A freelance writer can include a sidebar on where

a reader can go for additional information or events related to the feature

article.

Read out your article again to see if you have more ideas to write down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feature_story

Here are some examples of a good Feature Story

Intel Seeks to Boost Corporate Sales with New

Xeon ChipIntel Corp. (INTC), the world’s largest chipmaker, said a new line of server chips will reinvigorate sales and reverse a slowdown that threatens growth at its most profitable unit.

Intel will start selling today a new Xeon 7-series processor, the first new version in three years, said Shannon Poulin, general manager of marketing at Intel’s data center business unit.

While Google Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Facebook Inc. are buying chips to build their own data centers and offer services over the Web, other companies haven’t been spending as much on server computers. Server chip sales fell short Intel’s projections in 2013, gaining 7 percent even as sales to cloud data-center operators surged 35 percent.

“We need to get the enterprise growing again,” Poulin said in a telephone interview. “We’ve seen some folks waiting for it.”

The new top-of-the line Xeons will help convince companies to replace their old servers because it will allow them to better use the growing amount of data being generated by Internet-based devices and services, Poulin said. An improved feature of the new processor is the ability to access more memory, requiring less frequent writing and reading of information stored on relatively slower hard disk drives.

That means data analysis can be done more rapidly, according to Poulin. For example, retailers may be able to access video and sales data in real-time, letting them know who is in their stores so that they can update promotions and discounts instantly for shoppers.

While Xeon has 97 percent of the market for servers based on personal-computer chips, according to Mercury Research, the new processor line will allow Intel to take better aim at other designs, such as International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)’s Power chips, Poulin said. While Power and other RISC-based designs make up less than 20 percent of total server shipments, they account for more than 40 percent of the revenue, giving Intel room to grow by boosting market share, he said.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-18/intel-seeks-to-boost-corporate-sales-with-new-xeon-chip.html

Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint sensor will be located in the

home buttonWith just a few more days left before Samsung hits the stage at the Mobile World Congress next week, Sammobile is confirming that the Galaxy S5 will indeed feature a fingerprint sensor.

Samsung doesn't want to be left behind in integrating the technology into its products. Apple was obviously the first, with the introduction of the hot-selling iPhone 5S. HTC followed later last year with the One Max. Rising Korean smartphone maker, Pantech, also announced a phone donning fingerprint-sensing capabilities. And from the looks of it, Samsung's flagship phone this year, the Samsung Galaxy S5, will be having the feature as well.

But contrary to earlier rumors that its sensor will be built into the display, Sammobile, a reputable site for Samsung-related leaks, says that the Galaxy S5 will have a sensor built into the home button.

It works by swiping your fingers across the button, Sammobile confirms. The technology also sounds a bit complex when compared to the iPhone 5S. That's because you'll need to keep your fingers flat while swiping. And you'll have to do it slow, too.

Sammobile adds that the sensor is also sensitive to moisture, a clear downside for people with sweaty hands.

But on the good side, users can reportedly view their fingerprints in real-time on the screen. Sources told Sammobile that the technology is baked into the phone's operating system, which we presume to be Android 4.4. KitKat, although an improved TouchWiz UI is expected.

As if to make things complicated, users can reportedly register up to eight fingerprints and assign each to a specific task or a shortcut. Say, for example, use a specific

fingerprint to open web browsers. But Sammobile adds that only one fingerprint can be used to unlock the phone. The fingerprint sensor will also be used to sign into your Samsung account and other websites.

Additionally, Samsung has reportedly added a new software feature meant to enhance security and privacy. It's a Personal Folder and Private Mode, which hides apps, fies, and other private content. "To open and close your Personal Folder and Private Mode, you would need to swipe your registered finger over the home key after tapping on the home key, or you could simply use a different security method, like pattern unlock or security PIN," Sammobile explained.

Lastly, Samsung will allegedly use physical buttons on the Galaxy S5, shunning reports of on-screen buttons. Samsung, as expected, declined to comment on the report.

http://www.i4u.com/2014/02/63699/samsung-galaxy-s5-fingerprint-sensor-will-be-located-home-button#owE7G7CDGy6YXyyu.99

What is the difference between news writing and feature writing?

Writing a news story, as the term suggests, consists in the main of

conveying the news in as direct a manner as possible, without leaving any

important fact. The most efficient way of doing this is to use the ‘inverted

pyramid’ – meaning that the reporter begins by dealing with the 5 W’s and

1 H of the story, before fleshing out the details. It’s a fairly straightforward

way of conveying news, and is therefore universally popular.

How one to decide what is constitutes a news story?

While there can be no single rule, generally speaking, events that are

important to your readers and need to be conveyed as quickly as possible

constitute news stories. In a news article, facts are of paramount

importance, but other thumb-rules need to be taken into account.  News

articles are relatively smaller – the average is 300 words, but it might touch

500 if it is a lead article. The opening para, or intro, has to be crisp and to

the point. Likewise, the sentences that follow cannot be long-winded; the

writer cannot take liberties with ideas or construction. The news article is

therefore a terse style; emphasis given on the importance of the content

rather than form. The biggest challenge of writing a news story is to get all

the important facts and supporting data within limited time. The ‘deadline’

hovers like a sword over the heads of news reporters, especially if a big

story breaks out late at night.

To contrast with this we have a feature story. The feature writer has some

advantages over the news writer – he has more time to write, and he is

allowed more words. Since space isn’t as much a constraint as it is for the

news reporter, he can take liberties with ideas and form.

But that doesn’t mean his task is any less challenging. He must write an

interesting story. A feature is less likely to be read because it is usually

relegated to special pages, away from Page 1; and readers are less likely

to have patience with it. Although facts are important, dryly stating them

won’t do. A feature writer, therefore, seeks to become a craftsman, using

his material in ways that catch the attention of readers. There are unlimited

ways of doing this. The intro is as important to the feature writer as it is to

the news reporter – as the fisherman employs bait with his hook, the

feature writer must tempt the reader with his intro.

QUIZTell whether the following is a pitfall or not.

____ Writing in third person point of view.

____ Using too many adjectives and adverbs.

____ Using of specific nouns and powerful verbs

____ Messy handwriting.

____ Writing in a passive voice.

____ Have a lead longer than one paragraph.

____ End your story with a lethargic quote.

____ Use clithes.

____ Don’t state the obvious.

____ The lead should open with the specific, then go

to the general.

QUIZ

Enumerate some characteristics of the following parts of a Feature story.

Lead

Body

End

ACTIVITYWrite a feature story or article discussing about the latest phone of Apple. Use a powerful quote or a rhetorical question at the end.

HANDOUT

Improgo, David Timothy B.

IV-Galileo