it would be easy for a story to appear as a series of statements without any
smooth flow from one idea to the next. Block paragraphing makes the use of
effective transitions important. Transitions are words or phrases that link two
ideas, making the movement from one idea to the other clear and easy. Obvious
transitional phrases are: thus, therefore, on the other hand, next, then, and so on.
Transitions in news stories are generally made by repeating a word or phrase or
using a synonym for a key word in the preceding paragraph. Think of block
graphs as islands tied together with transition bridges of repeated words or
phrases (-Knox).
Explanation and Amplification
Following the lead paragraph comes the explanation and amplification, which
deals with illuminating details. The author should use discretion in choosing
details to include in this part of the story. Some details may not be as important
as others and they should be presented in order of importance from greatest to
least. The author should not feel the need to include everything he/she knows,
but include everything he/she feels is important (-Cigelske). In addition, a direct
quote should be used after the summary statement to provide amplification or
verification, for example (-Knox).
Background Information
At a high reading level, the average reader will become confused reading the
story. Therefore, the author should fill in the gaps with background information.
When in doubt about whether information should be included, the author should
put it in. For example, almost every piece on the O.J. Simpson case included in
the explanation and amplification section the basic information on what he was
on trial for even though it was basically common knowledge (-Cigelske).
Biases
Newspaper articles should be written without bias. Personal prejudices should
not find their way into the article. The use of an op-ed or column forum is
recommended for personal opinions (-Cigelske).
Direct and Indirect Quotes
When possible, the author should use direct or indirect quotes to enrich the
article. However, quotations should not be included just for the sake of using
them: make sure they are relevant (-Cigelske). Direct quotes can be used in the
following situations:
if a source's language is particularly colourful or picturesque
when it is important for written information -- especially official information -- to
come from an obviously authoritative voice
to answer the questions “why, how, who, or what?