Introduction to News Reports

Key information comes at the beginning

My new report

-the most important information comes in the first sentence or two (the lead)

Marianne St-Gelais gave Canadians a solid silver present Wednesday to celebrate her 20th birthday.
The Montreal short-track speed skater sped to second place in the 500-metre event, keeping her nerve even after a false start and a crash on the first turn that required a restart.

-the information is presented most to least relevant

Most relevant: Marianne St-Gelais gave Canadians a solid silver present Wednesday to celebrate her 20th birthday.

Least relevant: keeping her nerve even after a false start and a crash on the first turn that required a restart.

-the reporter is not part of the story (the reporter writes using 'he,' 'she' or 'they' NOT 'I' or 'me').

The Montreal short-track speed skater sped to second place in the 500-metre event, keeping her nerve even after a false start and a crash on the first turn that required a restart.
"It's a wonderful birthday present," said St-Gelais, ranked fourth in her event and enjoying silver success at her first Olympic Games. "It's touched me very much.

-the reporter gives as many facts and details as possible.

- last year's impressive 500-metre gold medal at the World Junior Championships and second in the 500 metres at the Olympic tune-up World Cup 500 metres in Vancouver in October.
- ranked fourth in her event and enjoying silver success at her first Olympic Games.

-reporters try to include either direct or indirect quotations

-"It's the first [event], but there's a lot coming up, so we'll see — it is great to share this medal with everyone."
-"I knew it was possible, but with short track, you never know what's going to happen,"