Before you start the first lesson I would like to learn more about you with a pretest. It is not worth any points, so no pressure. Here is the link.
Lesson 1 Observation
Introduction
Observation is an essential skill in writing. The observation part of the news report is mainly reflected in the scene description and character description. In this lesson, you will learn basic skills of observation of news reports. There will be some readings and a quiz with feedback and evaluation.
The Learning Objectives
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After this lesson, you will be able to tell the differences between observation in news reporting and in literary writing.
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After this course, you will know how to observe things by your senses.
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After this course, you will understand what neutral descriptions are and use them properly.
News Reporting VS. Literary Writing
The center of literary writing is you, the author. You can express your feelings and your thoughts imaginatively. In other words, your work is subjective and can even be illogical.
While, the center of the news report is not you, but the news or fact you are editing. You can't use your imagination endlessly. All your descriptions must be realistic. In other words, your work is objective and verifiable.
How to Observe - Use All Your Senses
Use all your senses of watching, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. Remember do not disturb them while observing so they do act different from their normal.
Here is an external link to an article to learn more: Journalism Skills – Listening and Observing
How to Describe - Use Neutral Descriptions
When you describe the things you observe, use neutral descriptions such as colors, data or numbers, behaviors or actions instead of subjective adjectives like good, handsome, brave. In other words, state facts rather than your emotional terms or personal conclusions.
Below is a video where you can get more explanations on detailed explanation, also what the subjective description is.
An example:
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If you are describing the picture on the right. Do not describe the tree as tall, instead, write down how many feet tall the tree is (or use other units).
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Do not just say this tree is different, but provide more details like the color and shape.
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As mentioned above, you can touch leaves, and describe it‘s texture.
Quiz
Now, below is a short quiz to help you to check your knowledge!
Quiz Evaluation (3 Questions)
3 Correct = Above Average
2 Correct = Average
1 Correct = Below Average
Summary
This quiz tests your mastery of the basic knowledge in this lesson. However, a better detection method is actually practice, that is, real news reporting. After studying this course, you will be able to recall and use the content learned. You will understand the difference between literature and news reports, full sensory observation, and neutral descriptions when writing news reports. You will be well on your way to being a successful author.