FEATURE WRITING

What is a feature article (lathalain)?

It is hard to define a feature article because it can
take so many forms and can cover so many
subjects. However, a reader may easily distinguish
feature stories from news stories through its
different characteristics.
A feature article is an essay based on fact. It’s a
virtual drop bag. It is never fictitious. This makes it
different from ordinary essay you study in your
literature class. Like an editorial, a feature article is
hung on a newspeg.
Feature stories, like news stories, are written to
inform but they enlarge news in a leisurely and
entertaining way. They are written to add life to the
paper and therefore their style lends more to the
creativity of a writer.
The main objective of news is to inform while that of
a feature article is to entertain. But feature articles
may also instruct, advise, influence, inform, and
entertain at the same time.

The matrix below compares and contrasts news, feature and editorial articles.
COMPARISON NEWS EDITORIAL FEATURE
1. Definition Report an event Interpretation of an An essay based on facts
event/issue
2. Main Purpose To inform To interpret To entertain using present
human interest stories
3. Timeliness Timely Timely Timely
4. Length Short Around 300 words (2000 Depends upon the needs
computer characters)
5. Use of words Simple precise, concrete Simple, forceful, direct May be descriptive, flowery,
colorful
6. Use of sentences Short, simple, 15-25 words May be longer May be longer
average
7. Paragraph No topic sentence, one idea, With topic sentence, longer With topic sentence, longer
one paragraph
8. Use of literary devices Journalistic, direct to the Journalistic, direct to the Literary, can be journalistic;
point, no idioms, figures of point, may use idioms, idioms, figures of speech used
speech figures of speech if properly freely
handled
9. Use of adjectives/opinion Uses adjectives sparingly; Adjectives used freely; As much as desired
opinion, never primarily opinion
10. Parts Lead, (Bridge), Body Introduction (newspeg, Introduction, body, ending
reaction), body, conclusion
(clincher)
11. Style Follows style-sheet Follows style-sheet, Composition style or
newspaper style newspaper style newspaper style
12. Structure Inverted pyramid Hypothesis, Suspended interest or
arguments/stand on issue, pyramid structure
conclusion
13. Title/Headline Short (subject-verb; Shorter (at most three Any length as long as it is
telegraphic sentence form) words) appealing to the reader/topic

Imagine this … Each day, he ferries hundreds of people

You are a reporter of a newspaper covering a beat
in the Iloilo Port Terminal. While going home for
work, you notice an old man ferrying people across
a narrow waterway that divides the passenger
bancas from the wharf.
You have passed by him hundreds of times before
without a second thought, but suddenly you get off
your motorcycle press and grab your notepad. You
have just spotted a feature story.
You take a candid shot of the old man and start
asking him questions about himself, his family, his
job, his odd experience with the endless stream of
humanity that he ferries daily across the small
brook.
At home, you sit down and focus your thoughts on
the old gnarled ferryman and study the odds and
ends about him on your notepad. You organize your
material and determine your focus of interest. Then,
you begin to write your story:
REGIE Zabalacheng has the loneliest job in
town.
across the Iloilo stream, but no one bothers to
say “hello,” or even give a friendly wave.
Zabalacheng, 68, of 70 Lopez Jaena Street,
Iloilo City, has been at his job for 40 solitary
years.
“Nobody ever pays attention to me except
to give me the two peso-fare after I get them
safely across the river. I know them all by face
because I see them every day but I don’t know
their names,” Zabalacheng said with a
cynical grin, “I guess they don’t know mine
either.”
“It’s not a bad job, but it sure gets lonely.”
The story continues with more quotes from
Zabalacheng, a description of his appearance and
mannerisms, anecdotes from his 40-year career,
and his family.
You’ve got a feature story.
The Wall Street Journal Formula
Here is a structure for features that the Wall Street
Journal has used successfully for many years.
  Beginning (introduction)—Start with an
anecdote or an illustration of the theme
(1st to 2nd paragraphs).
 Theme—Shortly after the beginning, state
the point of the piece (3rd to
6thparagraphs).
 Body—Provide details that elaborate on
that theme. Tell the reader what is
happening and why and what’s being done
about the situation. This serves rather than
conclude on a secondary piece of
information as to most news stories, a
feature may have what is called
a kicker, a punch at the end that drives
home the theme and that the reader must
always remember. (5th to 7th paragraphs)
Topics for Feature Stories
1. Personalities
2. Experience and adventure
3. Description
4. Narratives
5. Backgrounders
6. Developmental feature articles
7. “What to do” and “How to” articles
How to introduce (begin) the Feature article?
Unlike straight news, a feature article may begin in
any form and in any style. It depends on the topic
or purpose of the writer. Most features, however,
may be introduced by any of the following:
1. Rhetorical question
WHO says that age is an obstacle to education?
Take it from Procopio Dimakulangan of San Miguel,
Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago
after finishing the elementary grades. This year, he
enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres
Bonifacio High, Ateneo de Iloilo’s adopted school.
2. Startling statement
“HINDI pa kami laos!”
Ito ang pahayag ng mga “young once”—mga guro,
pinuno ng paaralan at mga magulang—nang
kanilang ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Ateneo, Agosto
17, at lumahok sila sa iba’t ibang palatuntunan at
paligsahan upang bigyang-buhay at kasanayan ang
pagdiriwang.
3. Narrative statement
MRS. NELIA Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening
student sends herself and her six children to
school, acting as mother and father at the same
time.
Every day, Mrs. Pradas takes her tentative place
between the half-time tindera tending
her sarisari store during the day and the half-time
student studying at night.
4. Quoted remarks
“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the
interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a
part-time job as an exotic dancer, and at the same
time go to school?” I asked.
“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of
these at the same time.”
5. An old maxim, an aphorism or a “salawikain
“TUBIG, tubig sa lahat ng dako, ngunit kahit isang
patak ay walang maiinom.” Itong siniping sabi ni
Samuel Coleridge sa tulang “The Ancient Mariner”
na wala nang bisa ngayon. Kahit na tubig na galing
sa baha ay maiinom na. Paano? Ganito ang
paraan.
6. History or background of the subject
ISLAMS throughout the world, including our Filipino
Muslim brothers observe the holy month
of Ramadan, starting Sept. 17. Ramadan is the
ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. It is
observed by Muslims as the Lenten Season is
commemorated by Christians.
7. Problems to be discussed in the article of
fact to be established
THIS IS the answer to the rising cost of vegetables:
raise your own.
Ending the Feature article
1. A summary of the whole article
MAKINIG ka sa dalubhasa: ang paninigarilyo ay
lubhang masama sa kalusugan. Maaring
maturingan kang tunay na lalaki dahil sa
paninigarilyo mo, subalit hindi tatagal ang buhay
mo upang mapatunayan mo ang iyong pagkalalaki.
2. An announcement of the main point for the
first time
THEREFORE, a major part of the development
communications effort should be directed at
strengthening the character of the people and
developing in them moral values, particularly by
self-discipline, self-reliance, strength of character,
and fortitude.
3. A question left in the reader’s mind
ANG KAMAY ng makabagong Pilipino ay handang
marumihan. Pinaiikoit niya ang gulong ng
pangkaunlaran. Iwina-wagayway niya ang bandila
ng kalayaan—kalayaan laban sa paghihikahos, at
kalayaan sa kamangmangan.
4. Suggested results or significance
LET US conserve our forests now if we want to
save the future of our country and of our children.
5. A forecast or prophecy
IN SIX-AND-A-HALF centuries from now, if
population explosion would not be checked, there
would be one person standing on every square foot
of land on earth. By that time, people would be
devouring one another for there would be no more
space for plants to grow.
6. A repetition of the introduction
ASKED if he had formal training in photography,
Lovely Sepe finally answered, “Ah, it is now the
reverse. It is here where I learn as I earn, not earn
as I learn.” (the lead of the feature article is, “I learn
while I earn).
7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a
reference to the title
AFTER four years of working as a houseboy,
working during the day and going to school at night,
Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor
student.
Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to
education?
(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a
hindrance.”)
8. An appropriate quotation
NESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked
why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he
answered:
“It is not what we give, but what we share
For the gift, without the giver is bare,
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three
Himself, his hungering neighbor and me.”
A good feature writer should possess the
following:
1. a keen observation
2. an intellectual curiosity
3. ability to find features in everyday happenings
4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all
senses)and everyday idioms
5. the skill to weave words into interesting
sentences and paragraphs
6. the ability to write effectively
7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to
“show (suggest), not tell, things”
________________________________________________________________________________________
Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor
student.
Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to
education?
(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a
hindrance.”)
8. An appropriate quotation
NESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked
why he gave his last centavo to the old man, he
answered:
“It is not what we give, but what we share
For the gift, without the giver is bare,
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three
Himself, his hungering neighbor and me.”
A good feature writer should possess the
following:
1. a keen observation
2. an intellectual curiosity
3. ability to find features in everyday happenings
4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all
senses)and everyday idioms
5. the skill to weave words into interesting
sentences and paragraphs
6. the ability to write effectively
7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to
“show (suggest), not tell, things”
EDITORIAL WRITING
What is an Editorial?
Feature Example
Topic: Abortion
COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my
pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t when you
killed me.
Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The
excruciating pain that consumed my helpless body? You
inflicted that, remember?
Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and
coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human
body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a
sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that
pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and
ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly
tucked inside you.
You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive
mouth was just like yours. And here are my ears that
heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.
I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.
I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A
strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in your arms. My
hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.
Daddy? Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing
basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am the shooter. I
could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of
me coz I’m gonna join contests.
Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let
baby brother live. He could also be as wonderful as me.
His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.
Feature Example
Topic: Abortion
COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my
pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t when you
killed me.
Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The
excruciating pain that consumed my helpless body? You
inflicted that, remember?
Look at my body, now a mass of rotting flesh and
coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human
body. A body that was soft with a tiny head matted with a
sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that
pulsated in time with yours. These were my fingers and
ohh!... Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly
tucked inside you.
You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive
mouth was just like yours. And here are my ears that
heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid.
I could have been a wonderful child if you’ve let me live.
I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A
strong, healthy and bubbly bundle in your arms. My
hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you.
Daddy? Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing
basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am the shooter. I
could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of
me coz I’m gonna join contests.
Mama, see I was alive but not anymore. So, please let
baby brother live. He could also be as wonderful as me.
His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.
It is the official stand of the publication on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted commentary
written by any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or staff’s opinion on an
issue which is of interest and importance to the public.
The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it
influence and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the stand of the paper
on controversial issues of the day. It has no byline.
It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph Pulitzer

Characteristics of a good editorial

1. Must have clearness of style
2. Moral purpose
3. Sound reasoning
4. The power to influence public opinion
5. Lead logically to a conclusion
6. Present only one idea
7. Avoid wordiness
8. Present facts not mere opinion
9. Concise, around 250-300 words or 2,000-2,500 computer characters (at most 6 paragraphs)
10. Must be decisive and bias

Types of editorial
1. Editorial of information
2. Editorial of interpretation
3. Editorial of criticism
4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute
5. Editorial of argumentation
6. Editorial of entertainment
7. Mood editorial
8. Pooled editorial

How to write an editorial?

In writing editorial, select only one specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.

Organize your editorial in three parts:

1. Introduction
Contains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph. (A newspeg is a brief statement
about the news event upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that needs to be solved right away)
2. Body
It may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons, statistics, interviews,
or figures.
3. Ending
The ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be crispy and difficult to
forget.
Example of an introduction
(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)
The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they wait for the next
period is both timely and wise.
It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT regionwide.
Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate labor and
materials to improve the school gym.
Titles
Like in feature articles, the editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less than four
words), forceful and interesting. In writing editorials, there is no room for “balimbings.” Though the writer must
present both sides, he/she must, in the end, take a concrete stand on the issue. To perfect this, one must keep
on toes on the different issues swarming the society from the most complicated to the most mundane topics.

Pointers in writing editorial

1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body of the
editorial.
3. Have a purpose well in mind that should be accomplished with sufficient data.
4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up to the conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on recent, relevant news for its impact value.
6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood analogy or with an
illustration that makes for easier understanding.
7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.
8. Article must be simple, direct, clear, and forceful.
9. No double meanings.
10. It must reflect clear, logical thinking.
11. Subject matter must be significant to the readers.
12. Sentences and paragraphs must be comparatively short.

Do’s and Don’ts in writing an editorial

1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.
2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what these facts mean.
3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words (2,500 computer characters) only.
4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.
5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the reader.
6. Avoid the first person, “I.” Use the editorial “We.”
7. Write simply.
8. Develop editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body.
9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.
10. Accomplish your purpose.

Editorial beginnings
An editorial may start with:
1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.
2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical development of the
topic.
3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.
4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.
5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.

Example:
Vandals
ATENEO de Iloilo’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain their present
state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.
The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the soles of
their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil scrawls on the
walls as they go to classes.
According to an observant parent, Ateneans, more than any other group of students, abuse their buildings.
This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.
Will the walls remain clean?
SPORTS WRITING
What is Sports Reporting?
Sports writing has become one of the most popular forms of modern journalistic writing. More and more
Atenean readers are now turning to the sports section before looking at the more prosaic news of the time.
But while may talk about sports, there are only few who can write a sports story. Even experienced reporters
get lost covering games and writing about them because it takes more than just answering the 5 W’s and 1 H
to be able to come up with a comprehensive sports news story.
Example
ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante Carreon and
Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out a close 60-59 win in an
exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.
Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial part of the
game including the winning free throw.
The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the lead.
The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales displayed a big
heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.
Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to go.
Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.
Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring.
“Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.
Box scores:
INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2, Cabanlong 2, Ong 0,
Lim 0, Gumaru 0.
RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0, Limbauan 0,
Galapon 0.

Sports News Structure

Like any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-getter and the
body is the news in a-nut-shell.
The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as: 1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom?
4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?
The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the Osmenians
(3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).
This kind of summary lead may vary.
The lead can also highlight other elements like:
1. The key play
LAKANDULA, Iloilo—The visiting Soliman High School sluggers bombed the Lakandula batters with six runs in
the third inning to subdue a nerve-frazzling Lakandula rally, 14-12, as they clinched the invitational game here,
in connection with the celebration of the school’s Foundation Day.
2. The outstanding player
EDWARD Ong of Ateneo de Iloilo, after almost four hours of battle over the chessboard, copped the most
coveted YMCA trophy after outwitting Philippine Science High School chesser William Santos in 27 moves of a
Sicilian defense.
3. Analytical approach
RIDING high on sizzling spikes and tricky placing, the spitfire Ateneo Blue Dragons blasted the Ateneo Blue
Eagles killers in the crucial third set to won 15-10, 11-15, 15-7 in the Jesuit Athletics Meet (JAM), Sept. 21, at
theSacred HeartSchool in Cebu yesterday

The body
After the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:
1. Team and/or individual standing
2. Decisive plays
3. Best scores for the day
4. Play-by-play
5. Quotations

Elements that make up a good sports article:

1. Personalities
2. Play-by-play description
3. Statistics and comparisons
4. Quotes by players
5. Quotes by trainers and coaches
6. Background stuff on players
7. The importance or significance of the event
8. Background of the game
9. Weather conditions
10. Crowd and celebration

Lingos and Slanguages

Basketball (basketbol)
Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line, hook shot,
zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-to-man, trey, full-court
press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds, dominated the paint

Baseball or Softball (beisbol at sopbol)

Diamond, pitcher (pitser), catcher (katser), back stop, hit a homerun, rolling ball, short stop, southpaw, pegged
at third, fast ball, playoff (n, adj), play off (v.), slugger, wild pitch, bullpen
Boxing (boksing)
Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout,
featherweight,
Chess
Checkmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white, black, fast
pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defense
Volleyball
Spike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop), jump
serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)
Soccer or Football
Soccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)
Track
Pass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century run
Tennis and Badminton
Best of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cut
Swimming
Tanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault

COPY READING AND HEADLINE WRITING

Copyreading is much like the work of a communication arts teacher correcting compositions, except that he
uses different symbols.
A copy may be a news item, an editorial, a feature story or any literary article.

Duties of a copyreader:
1. Straighten out ungrammatical construction.
2. Shorten sentences and tighten paragraphs.
3. See that the paper’s style requirements are strictly followed. Check names, addresses, title, designations,
identifications, figures, etc.
4. Rewrite the story completely if it is poorly written.
5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper with the facts
unless he is sure of his corrections.
6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without attribution or sources.
7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.
8. Watch for libelous statements.
9. Recheck figures and totals.
10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.
11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.
12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.
13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and incredible.
14. Check sluglines and paging sequences
15. Write headlines

What to copyread?
1. Errors in fact
2. Errors in grammar
3. Errors in structure
4. Errors in style
5. Libelous and derogatory statements
6. Seditious and rebellious matter
7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste
8. Opinion and editorializing statements
9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy
10. Technical terms, slang, jargons

Copy-reading symbols
Punctuation Marks
Symbols Meaning Outcome
The Bionic Woman Emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”
Dr Arthur Cruz Jr Emphasize periods Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.
said “I must go.” Emphasize comma said, “I must go.”
Numbers and Abbreviations
in Nov. Spell out in November
Doctor Arthur Cruz Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruz
twenty boys Use numeral 20 boys
2 girls were… Spell out Two girls were…
Special form of type
Manila, philippines Capitalize MANILA, Philippines
Letter and word changes
meet on Saturday Bridge over meet Saturday
those b oys Close up space those boys
Fe Cruz Principal Transpose Principal Fe Cruz
recieve Transpose receive
pamplet Insert letter pamphlet
went market Insert word went to market
Manila pAper Lower case Manila paper
received free gifts Delete word received gifts
judgement Delete letter within judgment
develope iskill Delete before/after develop skill
the most talented and Kill the principal
enthusiastic principal
Allright wehave time Insert space All right we have time
We were indeed very Run in copy We were indeed very
happy because happy because…
Others
Paco, Manila… Indent for paragraph Paco, Manila…
Today he will… Today he will…
Welfrido Cruz Spell as written Welfrido Kruz
One boy came Restore text; disregard On boy came
correction
Elected prexy Center subhead Elected prexy
the un - Syllabicate the un-
finished task finished task
The gong Set in boldface the gong
She read Les Miserables Set in italics She read Les Miserables
30 or # Story is finished
more or ) Story is unfinished
Seminar Text continued on the
(…2) Next page
# - folio copy See copy as written
Note: To arrange paragraphs just place the number (e.g. #1, #3) of the corresponding paragraphs in the left
portion of the copy.

SAMPLE COPY TEST

Slug line: ________________________
Headline: _____________________________ No. of units: ____________
The PNU elementary school launch the anual cleanliness & beatification contest September 16 at the school
social hole.
In a mating with Presidents and vice-presidents of each class from Grade III to Gr. Six, Mrs. Alegria Flora
Principal explain the prosedures to folow.
According to the principal, its class class will be given an areas to cleaned. Ones a week, school officials will
vissit the area and chose the cleanest amongst them.
Prices will be awarded to the class who’s area will be pick the cleanest for 3 times. Th
This will give insentives to the students explained Mrs. Flores.
The handsome and intelligent Mr. Garcia Ramon, vocation al teacher who facilitated the meeting told the
studes that thru the contest cooperation will be developed
while order and cleanliness be maintained.
Congrattulations Mrs. Garcia

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Check the corresponding number of the correctly spelled word:
1. 1. ocasion
2. all-right
3. embarassment
4. inspite of
5. harrassment
6. privileges
7. commitee
8. diphtheria
9. dessimenate
10. tommorow

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Verbal deadwood
Column A Column B
_______ 1. for the reason that a. died
_______ 2. a larger proportion b. believes
_______ 3. at the present time c. although
_______ 4. succumbed to injuries d. now
_______ 5. at an early date e. remind
_______ 6. is of the opinion f. many
_______ 7. in the neighborhood g. near
_______ 8. in the event of h. soon
_______ 9. in spite of the fact i. because
_______ 10. draw the attention of j. if

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Redundancy
1. The final conclusion revealed that the dead corpse was a victim of a fatal murder.
2. The other alternative is to get some new recruits.
3. It was definitely decided to give free gifts to the underprivileged poor on Christmas.

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Brevity
1. The play will be shown in the month of December.
2. The meeting lasted for a period of two hours.
3. These children are the ones who are influenced by indecent films.
4. The building closed its door at five o’clock p.m. in the afternoon.

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Opinion and editorializing news articles
1. Mr. Amador Cabansag, a very energetic teacher of electricity in the famous Osmena High School, held a
very successful demonstration lesson.
2. The most efficient and knowledgeable principal represented the school in the well-known national press
conference.

COPYREADING EXERCISE
Correct Usage, Grammar, etc
1. 1. The sick man was (taken, brought) to the hospital.
2. Where is the other (pair, mate) of this shoe?
3. It is (unhealthy, unhealthful) to stay (in, under) the hot sun.
4. The article (shaded, shed) light on the whole subject.
5. The cadets are marching (on, in, at) the campus.
6. Come to work (in, on) time or you will be (fired, fired out).
7. Put all your (bedding, beddings) away and (take, bring) your (baggage, baggages) (in, on) the corner of the
room.
8. Our main concern (is, are) reference books which (is, are) very dear nowadays.
9. Five and six (is, are) eleven.
10. My friend and teacher (wants, want) me to visit her.
11. I (was, have been, had been) absent yesterday.
12. The criminal was (hang, hung, hanged) by the mob.
13. The owl unlike most birds is awake at night.
14. Claro m. Recto wrote “Abajo los cocoteros” and “Shadow and Solitude.”
15. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor (Dec. 1941; December, 1941; December 1941)
16. The birthday (celebrant, celebrator) received many gifts.
17. Mother is often tired from the (everyday, every day) chores.
18. Peter tried to (reason, reason out) to his father about his low grades.
19. The jeep (collided, crashed) against the wall of the school.
20. The old (is, are) richer in expertise than the young.

Headlining
It is easy to write the news headline. Just look at the first paragraph called the lead which contains the gist,
Just write the gist of that lead.
Do’s and don’t’s in writing traditional headlines
1. Make your headline answer as many W’s as possible.
2. The headline should summarize the news story, but must avoid using all the words used in the lead. It
should contain nothing that is not found in the story.
3. Positive heads are preferable to negative ones. School physician allays flu fear is better than Flu epidemic
not rampant in city.
4. Out a verb expressed or implied in every deck.
5. Omit articles like a, an, and the, and all forms of the verb to be (is, are, be, etc.), unless needed to make the
meaning clear.
6. Use the strongest word in the first line as much as possible.
7. The active verb is better than the passive verb in headlines (Food production drive intensified; RP’s lost
image abroad regained)
8. Use the present tense for past stories and the infinitive form for future stories (Archbishop Sin bats for
national reconciliation; Lantern parade to cap Xmas affairs).
9. Write numbers in figures or spell them out depending upon your needs for your unit counts.
10. Avoid heads that carry double meaning.
11. Use only common abbreviations.

Punctuating a headline
1. Use a comma in place of the conjuction and
2. Two related thoughts should be separated with a semicolon.
3. The dash may be used in smaller decks but not for headlines in large types.
4. The single quotation marks are used in headlines.
5. Follow the other rules of punctuations.
Unit counting in headline
½ unit - jiltf and all punctuations except the em dash (--), and the question mark (?)
1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILTF, all lower case letters except jiltf
1 ½ units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M and W and JILTF
2 units - capital M, W
Headline vocabulary (Formula: subject-verb-object ala text message)
1. Faculty club strengthened (beefed up)
2. Enrolment decreases (dips)
3. Science examinations announced (quiz bared)
4. Contests highlight Animal Week (cap)
5. Santos urges cooperation (bats for, calls for)
6. DepEd disapproves tuition fee increase (bucks, nixes, axes)
7. Ateneo wins 12 medals in press contest (bags, romp away with; tilt, parley)
8. Principal praises editors humility (lauds, extols)
9. Local staff dominates press tilt (rules, lords over)
10. Local basketball players retain championship (sluggers; crown)
11. US attacks Russ nuclear test (hits)
12. Laurel ends diplomatic tour (winds up)
13. Cops ended syndicate (busted)
14. Slay suspect questioned (grilled, probed)
15. RP sees import hike (eyes)
16. 456 pass bar exams (hurdle)
17. Lim dismisses 5 cops (fires)
18. RP-Malaysia dispute solved (row)
19. Fiscal dismiss rape charge (dismiss; rap)
20. Import talk delayed (snagged)

Mga halimbawa
Huwag gumamit ng pangalan maliban kung kilala ito
Mali—Jaime Diaz, nahalal na pangulo
Tama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nahalal na pangulo ng samahan
Maging tiyak (specific)
Mali—Mag-aaral, nagwagi sa paligsahan
Tama—Mag-aaral ng Mapa, nagwagi sa pagsulat ng balita
Iwasan ang opinyon sa balita
Mali—Paaralang Datu Puti, lumaro ng kahanga-hanga
Tama—Paaralang Datu Puti, nanalo ng 3 sa 4 na laban
Lagyan ng pandiwa ang bawat ulo
Mali—Limang guro sa seminar
Tama—Limang guro, dadalo sa seminar

Iwasan ang paggamit ng negatibong pandiwa

Mali—Paligsahan sa talumpatian, hindi matutuloy
Tama—Paligsahan sat talumpatian, pinagpaliban
Gumamit ng makakatawag-pansing pandiwa
Mahina—Tinato ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36
Malakas—Pinataob ng Ateneo ang St. Joseph, 50-36
Gamitin ang maikli at kilalang salita
Masalita—Bayang Pilipinas, sasali sa pandaigdig na palaro
Maikli—RP, sasali sa olimpiyada
Iwasan ang paggamit ng pantukoy at ng pandiwang pantulong nahango saverb to be
Mali—Si Japhet Burgos ay ang napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples
Tama—Japhet Burgos, napiling punong patnugot ng Ripples

EDITORIAL CARTOONING
It is an editorial page illustration expressing opinion and interpretation (a column or opinion in cartoon form).
The word cartoon is derived from two words: caricature and lampoon.
A caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or
thing in which a defect or peculiarity is exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.
A lampoon, on the other hand, is a piece of malicious writing, a personal-written satire that attacks and
ridicules.
A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense of humor in order to persuade him/her to accept an opinion.

How to conceptualize?
1. Read/listen—research your facts well.
2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.
3. Make your comment on the issue.
4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for corrupt officials
and typewriter for press)
5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.
6. Sketch/make doodles.
7. Draw your final cartoon.

Ways to present your view

1. Take the issue to a ridiculous situation.
2. Exaggerate the effect of an issue.
3. Use cliché or something contemporary or “in.”
4. Juxtapose or put together two events, even unrelated ones.
5. Take quotes literally. Play with words.
6. Consider the occasion.
7. Make an interesting artwork.
8. Caricature a political figure and add a punch line.

Tips for cartooning

1. Limit the use of words and labels.
2. Use universal symbols, those which can be understood at once by your intended reader.
3. Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.
4. If your cartoon is about the editorial for the day, it must reinforce the stand stated in the piece.
5. Choose a most interesting issue and express your comment in an arresting way.
6. Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate your drawing with artistic touches. These
will just distract from the impact of the cartoon. Minimal is better.
7. Cover your cartoon with a frame or border.
8. Use shading to make your article more convincing.

Steps in Editorial Cartooning

Dr. Net Billones, one of the country’s top cartoonists, suggests the following steps:
1. List down the subjects to choose from.
2. Once the subject is chosen, ask what is the issue? What is the paper’sopinion about the issue?
Example:
Issue—Press freedom
Opinion—The government is going back to the martial law days as far as press freedom is concerned.
3. Decide the symbols to be used
Example:
Government—GMA
Press freedom—bird (dove) flying, typewriter, school paper
Repression—chain, scissors, slingshot, bar
4. Draw the cartoon.

http://jotwithsirh.blogspot.com/2008/06/lecture-11-copyreading.html
ON K12 EDUCATION

Column Name: Impulses

Column Title: K12 is ok
By Herman M. Lagon

P-Noy’s government gives full support to the K-12 Education Plan. As part of his Educational Reform Program,
the administration believes that adding more years to basic education in the Philippines could help solve the
problem of unemployment, keep up with global standards, and help Filipino students to have more time to
choose the career that best suits their skills.
K-12 Education specifically means adding two more years in the secondary level plus kindergarten in pre-
school. Such plan is not that easy for it also concerns the financial capacity of parents, the number of schools
and classrooms, the number of teachers, and even the availability of books and other school supplies.
If this ambitious multi-billion-peso plan becomes successful, then the Philippine education system can become
more competitive among other countries around the world. It is worthy to note that only the Philippines and one
country in Africa or in South Asia I believe have 10-year basic education cycle. Most countries have 12 years
before their students take any college course. Some more progressive countries even have 14 years for pre-
college education.
However, it won't work if the needed elements to make it work aren't present.
Such elements, as stated above, include the adequate supply of schools, classrooms, chairs, manpower
(teachers, administrators, and staff), books, laboratory equipment, instructional aids, utilities, community
support, curriculum approaches, etc. If the government could allot a bigger budget to educational needs, then
we could be one-step ahead towards the success of the K-12 program.
Furthermore, parents (especially those who belong in the poor sector) should be properly informed and
motivated of the advantages of the K-12 Education Plan. This is very important since parents play a major role
in providing the child's school allowances, supplies, and fees for other school projects and activities. Add to
that the support of parents towards their children in terms of guidance and teaching.
Once this succeeds, it is best hoped that Filipino students would be more literate, skilled, and competitive to be
able to find jobs more easily and contribute to the country's pride as well as the country's economy.
To note more, the K12 Basic Education Program is the Standard Education Program throughout the world. This
has already been implemented on most countries and nations, especially on those which are economically
progressive and has high values for human skills and efficiency.
As an educator, I fully understand the government’s desire to raise the quality of education here in the
Philippines. Each year, the need for highly competitive graduates continues to grow as the demand for high
paying jobs spread across the globe. Each year, ironically, our school produce is becoming more incompetent,
unskilled, and illiterate. Sadly, this is proven by the different educational and labor surveys, diagnostic and
achievement tests.
While this proposed K-12 education program may help us achieve that (which obviously could take many
years), there are concerns in the education sector that need the more immediate response and attention of the
government.
Some say that extending the number of years in school will not directly affect nor influence the quality of
education because it would only mean adding more budget for more teachers and classrooms. After all, we’re
for quality and not quantity, they say.
I am not sure if they are correct. What I am sure of is that the present 10-year system does not work and we
need to do something about it; that K12 aims for a quality and relevant education; that good education defines
good citizenship and national progress.
So, until the critics have a more concrete and not a motherhood-statement alternative, I will peg my hope to the
K12 plan and support it in any way possible. Besides, the P-Noy government is serious in fulfilling it. What’s
more, 98% of the world’s population says K12 works. Numbers and evidences don’t lie.