Headline Story

Write a headline story that gives the who, what, why, and where of an event that takes place in Part One of To Kill a Mockingbird. A headline story should describe facts of the event (using the scene as your fact base) and then give details from witness interviews. You should use all the information provided in the book and then use your creativity and analytical ability to create authentic witness interviews.

1. Choose your scene

2. Re-read your scene and gather data

3. Write the basic who, what, why and where

4. Add the details

5. If necessary, read a few real headline stories to get a feel for the style. Shooting Death, Vigil

6. Write a catchy headline

7. Format your article into columns and newspaper format

You might start out by with something like:

At approximately 9:30 pm on the night of the 24th, an intruder trespassed onto the Radley property in downtown Maycomb and caused an uproar.

Then go on to lay out the basic facts:

Mr. Nathan Radley fired a warning shot into the air and then shortly after explained the situation to neighbors who quickly gathered on the street in front of the Radley house. No one actually saw the intruder and no one was hurt, so the police are not planning on further investigating the crime at this time.

Finally, use some "witness interviews" to flesh out your story:

According Mr. Avery, a neighbor who witnessed the event, "The shot just came out of nowhere. I heard not a sound until the shot fired out and then I came a runnin'. I was so surprised--we haven't had any thieves in this neighborhood for years."

or

Witness Stephanie Crawford added, "Mr. Nathan was so mad. I'd be really worried if I was the person who walked on his back porch."

Be sure to use specific evidence from the novel and only manufacture evidence when necessary to flesh out your story.

Due: Friday