Session 3 Discussion: How journalists write

Think about the most memorable news article you have ever read. What made it powerful? Was it the lede, a quote, the structure, or something else?

Try to use: lede, hook, structure, quote, angle

A journalist uses 'alleged' when describing a criminal accusation. A politician says the word 'alleged' is an insult to victims. Who is right — and why does the word matter so much?

Try to use: alleged, attribution, reporting verb, fact-check, credibility

Should journalists be required to name all their sources? What are the arguments for and against anonymous sourcing?

Try to use: source, off the record, credibility, investigation, protection

Is investigative journalism worth the cost? It takes months or years and does not always produce a story. Should news organizations invest in it — or is it a luxury?

Try to use: investigative journalism, scoop, exclusive, copy, accountability

Many people now get their news in the form of short videos or social media posts — not long articles. Does this change the importance of journalistic structure and attribution? Is it a problem?

Try to use: angle, lede, attribution, credibility, coverage

You discover that a major news story you shared was based on a single anonymous source and was later partially retracted. How do you feel? What do you do next? What does this tell you about news consumption?

Try to use: source, fact-check, retraction, credibility, reliability