WRITING

HEADLINES
EVERY NEWS STORY has a title of its own called
a headline. This headline in printed type is much bigger
and bolder than its body which is the story itself.

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF THE

HEADLINE:
 to tell in capsule form what the story is all about
 to grade the news as to importance
 to make the page look attractive
 STRUCTURE OF HEADLINES
There are different kinds of headlines according to structure. However, for the
sake of consistency, only one kind should be adopted by a newspaper. Common
among these are illustrated and briefly explained as follows:

1. Flush left – both lines are flushed to

the left margin. This is also true with
a one-line headline. This has no exact
count for the units in each line.
Family planning
Seminar held
2. Dropline or Step Form – the first line is
flushed left while the second is intended. It
may consist of two of three, and sometimes
four lines of types of the same length,
somewhat less than a column in width, so that
the first line is flushed to the left, the second
Local boy scouts
centered, andbleedthe
for athird
causeflushed to the right.

3. Inverted pyramid – this is self-explanatory.

Each of the three or four lines in this head is
successively shorter than the line above it.
School launches
kalinisan
drive
4. Hanging Indention – the first line is
flushed left. This is followed by the two
intended parallel lines.
Chief editor
bats for more
development news

5. Crossline or Barline – a one-line

headline that runs across the column.
The simplest form, it is a single line
across the allotted space. If it runs
Local the
across students
page,joinitCLEAN drivea steamer.
is called
6. Boxed headline – for emphasis or art’s sake,
some headlines are boxed:
a. Full box Community involvement science camp theme

b. Half box Campus paper catalyst for national development

c. Quarter box Local students, teachers bleed for a cause today

7. Jump story headline – a jump story ( a story continued on another

page) has a headline of its own. This may be the same as the original
headline or it may just be a word, a phrase or a group of words
followed by a series of dots.

Local students…
(From page 1)
 Do’s and Don’ts in Writing
Traditional Headlines
A. Do’s

1. Make your headline answer as many W’s as possible.

2. The headline should summarize the news story. It should contain nothing that
is not found in the story.

3. Positive heads are preferable to negative ones.

4. Put 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),
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.

8. Use the present tense for past stories and the infinitive form for future
stories.

9. Write numbers in figures or spell them out depending upon your needs for
your unit counts.

[Link] any of the following headlines styles, but be consistent once you have
adopted one.

a. All caps
CHARACTER, NATIONALISM VITAL CLOGS IN EDUCATION

b. Cap and lower case

Character, Nationalism Vital Clogs In Education

c. Down Style
B. What to Avoid in Writing Headlines

1. Avoid the following kinds of headlines:

a. Fat Head – the spaces between the letters or words are so crowded that
there are no more spaces between, them or that spaces are so small that
several words read as one.

BSP LAUNCHES DRIVE

b. Thin Head – the spaces between the letters or words or the space after the
words in a line are so wide that the effect is ugly.

B S P LAU N C H E S D R I V E

c. Label head – an incomplete headline, like the label of a product.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
d. Wooden hand – a very weak headline that is devoid of meaning, sometimes
due to the absence of a subject or the lack of verb.

TO HOLD EXCURSION

e. Mandatory head – it gives a command because it begins with a verb.

HOLD DIALOG WITH PRINCIPAL

f. Screaming head – it is a big and bold headline of a short and unimportant

story. A sensational head is another kind of screaming headline.

2. Don’t tell the same thing even though you use a different word. Each
succeeding deck should contribute information.

3. Don’t comment directly or indirectly. Avoid editorializing even in headlines.

4. Unless the subject is implied or has been mentioned in the first deck, avoid
beginning a headline with a verb.
5. Don’t end a line with a preposition. Neither should you separate a preposition
from its object. Don’t confuse a hanging preposition with a two-word verb that
ends with a preposition.

Wrong : Students vote for SSG officials (“for” is a hanging preposition)

Right : Principal bats for moral values (“bats for” is a two-word verb)

6. Don’t break off abbreviations, names, and hyphenated words.

7. Avoid repeating principal words regardless of the number of decks.

8. Avoid heads that carry a double meaning.

9. Don’t coin abbreviations of your own. Use only those that are common to the
readers like PNRC, DepEd, and DCS.

[Link]’t abbreviate days and months unless figures follow, as: Mon., Jan. 23
 PUNCTUATING HEADLINES
A few pointers as regards punctuation of headlines should be observed.
As a rule, headlines, just like titles of editorials, features, and literary articles,
should not end with a period.

1. Use a comma in place of the conjunction and.

Self- reliance, discipline up at Baguio confab
2. Two related thoughts should be separated with a semicolon. As much as
possible this should be at the end of the line if the headline is a two-line
headline or a running head.
School joins Operasyon Linis;
P.E. – CAT boys drain estero
3. The dash may be used for smaller decks, but not for headlines in large
types.
4. The single quotation marks, not the double quotation marks, are used in
headlines.
Cultural development:
‘Linggo ng Wika’ theme
5. Follow the other rules of punctuation.
 Unit Counting in Headlines
(in Letterpress Printing)
Writing headlines is not as simple and as easy as it seems. A headline should fit
the allotted space by a system of unit counts given to each letter, figure, or
space. This is done to avoid a thin head, a fat head, or a bleeding headline (one
that extends out of the column or page).
The corresponding unit counts are given as follows:
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 – the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M
and W and JILTF.
1 ½ ½ ½ 1, 1 1 ½ 1 1 1 1 1 ½ 1 1 ½ 1 ½ 1
C i t y S c h o o l s f e t e = 15 ½
1½1½1½1½1111½½11
C h i e f E x c e c u t i v e = 14
Note: Unit counting in headline is used only in, Letterpress Printing. In
Computer Printing, there is no need for counting units; the computer does the
work.

PRINTER'S DIRECTION
Printer's Direction or Specification for Headlines
Write a one-line headline, occupying 3 columns, 42 points high, bodoni bold
type, cap and lower case.
Answer:
3 – 42 – bb – clc
 Preparing a Headline
Schedule
(For
A headline scheduleLetterpress Printing)
is a complete collection of headline types that a
particular newspaper uses. This collection should specify the unit counts for
all the heads.
Here is an example:
HEADLINE UNIT COUNT SIZE/FAMILY TYPE COLUMNS
HEADLINE SCHEDULE
Osmena High revives 12 48 Radiant 2
comedia 14 ½
Reclaimed banks cause of 21 36 Caslon 2
recurrent floods 17
Dope upsurge in 12 ½ 30 1
community, school noted 11 ½ Cheltenham
11 ½
Food production drive 29 24 Century 2
intensified
Science journalism caps 7 1
NSTA seminar 9
11
7
 Headline Vocabulary
Headline writing is an art or a special skill. The copy editor who usually
writes the headlines should be able to tell in capsule form - simply,
temptingly, yet understandably the most complex story with words that fit
the limit of the unit counts. To do this, he must have cartloads of special
words to use for the sake of simplicity, brevity, and easy reading. However,
certain newspaper terms used in headlines are not acceptable in formal
writing or usage, nor do they carry their literal meaning as in the case of
idioms.
In the following headlines, the word or words in parentheses may substitute
for those that are in italics:

1. Faculty club strengthened (beefed up)

2. Enrolment decreases (dips)
3. Science examinations announced (quiz; bared)
4. Contests highlight Animal Week (cap)
5. Rosas speaks on UN theme (defines)
6. Santos urges for cooperation (bats for, calls for)
7. Student officials inducted in group (en masse)
8. The PNU Torch passes 82 years (milestone)
9. Dope increase in school noted (upsurge)
10. DepEd Secretary disapproves tuition fee increase (bucks; hike)
11. The Blue and White wins 12 medals in press contest (bags, romps away
with; tilt, parley)
12. Malnutrition being discussed at DepEd seminar (up at) 13. PNUFA starts
work (buckless down to)
14. Nationalism a necessity in education (vital cog)
15. Principal praises Osmeña humility (lauds, extols)
The following italicized terms or expressions are usually used in the
metropolitan dailies.
Enclosed in parentheses after the headlines are their corresponding
synonyms or explanations:

1. US hits Iraq's nuclear test (attacks)

2. DepEd acts to nip tuition hike (stop; increase)
3. Arroyo's nod expected (approval)
4. Pimentel prods GMA to resign (urges)
5. Narcotic gang busted (syndicate; ended)
6. Atienza seeks striking teachers probe (quiz, investigation)
7. Vacation plans scrapped (disapproved)
8. 20 donors boost fund drive (increase)
9. Gang chief falls (leader; captured)
10. Fiscal upholds budget proposal (approves)
11. Border dispute triggers war (starts)
12. De Castro winds up diplomatic tour (ends)
13. Nation rallies to beautification campaign (supports)
14. RP scores false news by Time (attacks)
15. PGH allays flu fears (lessen)
WRITING THE
EDITORIAL
TWO PRIME FUNCTIONS of the newspaper are to inform and to
interpret.
It goes without saying then that the two most important sections of the
newspapers are the news and editorial sections.

The editorial page is the demarcation line between news and opinions.
The news pages are for news-to give information - while the editorial pages
are for the editorials, the editorial columns, the cartoons, and the letters to
the editor-to give opinion or to interpret the important events of the day
which are usually reported on Page 1.

Editorial Defined
An editorial is the official stand of the paper on a relevant development or
issue. It is a personal commentary written by any of the editors who
comments or gives the newspapers' or the staff's opinion about various
aspects on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public. It is a
critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary events so that the
readers will be informed, influenced, or entertained. It is the stand of the
Some authors give other definitions or explanations regarding editorials:

1. An editorial is an article in a newspaper giving the editor's view or those of

the person or persons in control of the paper.
– A. Gayle Waldrop

2. It is the expression of the people's conscience, cause, and convictions.

– Joseph Pulitzer

3. The modern editorial includes analyses and clarifications, sometimes with

no opinion given.
– Arthur Copper

4. The editorial should provide the background in which the facts are seen in a
new perspective and should express its opinion.
– Rufus Terral

5. Bitterness, bias, and fear have no place in an editorial. They make for
weakness no matter how much they bluster.
– William Allan White
 Characteristics of a Good
Editorial
Reddick gives three qualities of a good editorial: (1) interest; (2)
brevity; and (3) force.

Spears and Lawshe, on the other hand, characterize an editorial as one

that:
(1) must have clearness of style; (2) has moral purpose; (3) has
sound reasoning; and (4) has the power to influence public
opinion.

It can be added further that a good editorial must: (1) lead logically to a
conclusion; (2) present only one idea; (3) avoid wordiness; and (4)
present facts and not mere opinion.
 WHAT TO FIND IN THE EDITORIAL
SECTION
1. Top Editorial/Editorial
Proper/Lead Editorial – The
No. 1 editorial usually based
on the banner news or on an
issue that should be discussed
and solved right away.

2. Editorial Column - An
individual commentary of a
columnist (See column
writing)
3. Editorial Cartoon - A graphic
illustration sketch that, like the
top editorial, comments on an
important issue. (See
Cartooning)

4. Letter to the Editor -Sent to

the staff by an outsider to
complain or appreciate.

5. Guest Editorial - Sent in by an

authority on any topic useful to
the reader, especially on values,
education, or morality.
 Types of Editorials
1. Editorial of information. It seeks to give information on facts unknown
to the reader. It restates the facts of news stories or adds other facts with
minimum explanation. It may define terms, identify persons or factors or
provide a background, e.g., Freedom of the Press.

2. Editorial of interpretation. It explains the significance or meaning of a

news event, current idea, condition, or situation, theory, or hypothesis. The
writer doesn't argue nor criticize, but merely presents both sides of an
issue and leaves the judgment to the reader. e.g., Freedom of the Press;
Two Schools of Thought.

3. Editorial of criticism. It points out the good or the bad features of a

problem or situation mentioned in the news. Its purpose to influence the
reader. It suggests a solution at the end, e.g., School Administration Not
Sincere in Press Freedom Promise.
4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute. It praises, commends, or
pays tribute to a person or organization.

5. Editorial of argumentation. This is often times called editorial of persuasion. The

editorial argues in order to convince or persuade the reader to accept his stand on the
issue.

6. Editorial of entertainment. It evokes a smile, a chuckle, laughter while suggesting

truth. It's main aims is to entertain

7. Mood editorial. It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an explanation.

8. Special occasion. It explains the significance of special day or occasion.

9. Pooled editorial. The consensus stand or position of several editors from different
schools on a common issue or problem published in their respective school papers at
the same time.

[Link] editorial. Opinion sent to the staff by an authority on a particular topic-

educational, political, religious or moral.

[Link] to the editor. Sent by an outsider to the staff ,either praising or complaining.
HOW TO WRITE AN EDITORIAL
In writing the editorial, select only one specific idea to develop.
Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.

Parts of an Editorial
(1)The introduction; (2) the body and (3) the ending.

The first contains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short
paragraph.
The body make two or three short paragraphs that supports or justify
the reaction.
The ending ,sometimes called the clincher, summarize the editorial stands,

 Newspeg is a brief statement about the news event or issue upon which
the editorial is based.
The following are the examples of editorial’s introduction of the newspeg
and the reaction, not necessarily in that order . The underlined words are
the reaction.

A. The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in
the library while they wait for the next period is both time and wisely.

B. It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to win Second
Place in the Division Athletic meet.

C. Our generals PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s
welfare. They will donate labor and materiel to improve the school gym.

D. The move of the DEPED to revive Grade VII and to add one more year in
the high school is not the solution to the deteriorating Pre-college
education in the country.
Pointers on Writing an Editorial
1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentenced, and
expand it into the body of the editorial.
3. Have a purpose well in mind which should be accomplished with sufficient
data.
4. Organized all data into well-reasoned argument ,with each argument
leading up to the conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on a 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. Is the writing simple, direct, clear, and forceful?
9. Does it not carry a double meaning?
[Link] it reflect clear, logical thinking?
[Link] the subject matter significant to the students, the school, the
 OTHER EDITORIAL
BEGINNINGS
An editorial may also start with:

1. A simple sentence statement that gives enough of the situation, problem

or news to be discussed.
2. A question which calls attention to give an idea about the problem, or
point out the logical development of the topic.
3. A striking statement which 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.
 CHECKING YOUR
1.
EDITORIAL
Is the form and style appropriate to its content and purpose?
2. Were you able to accomplish your purpose?
3. Is it sincere, such that it will make the reader think?
4. Is it short and direct to the point?
5. Does it hang from a real or on an artificial newspeg?
6. Was there no preaching?
7. Is it original and was it written skillfully?
8. Is the writing simple, direct, clear and forceful?
9. Does it carry a double meaning?
[Link] it reflect clear, logical thinking?
[Link] the subject matter significant to the students, the school, the
community, and the country?
[Link] the sentences and paragraphs comparatively short?
 DO’S AND DON’TS
IN WRITING EDITORIAL
1. Win the readers interest with a lead paragraph that will encourage him to
read further.
2. Do not generalize. Use plenty of facts and tell what these facts mean?
3. Keep your editorial short, around 300 words only
4. Do not preach, scold, or moralize. You are not a priest in a pulpit, nor a
minister.
5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the readers
6. Avoid the first person “I". Use the editorial “WE”.E.G., We believe that the
president is right to veto the bill;(or)the torch believes that the president
is right…
7. Write simply.
8. Develop the editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one
sentences, and expanded into the body
9. Make your sentences and paragraphs relatively short