Editorial Rules

Dear Contributors,

We have compiled a simple list of editorial rules to help you proofread your contributions.
These editorial rules are enforced through the selection process and camera-ready preparation.

-- IARIA Logistics Team

Note: If you have more to add to these recommendations, please email them to nick@iaria.org using subject "Editorial Rules"

General Considerations

• Clarify the relation with the conference topics (either in title, abstract, or introduction section)
• Identify a significant, challenging, not yet solved, or only partially solved problem
• Identify and present the prior art or related work (including references)
• Propose an understandable, defendable, and feasible solution
• Identify the target: theoretical, architectural, modeling, practical implementation, optimization, evaluation of existing solution, etc.
• Select evaluation metrics and show the practicality, scalability, and the benefits of your contribution
• Draw appropriate conclusions and compare your results with the prior art
• Clarify the contribution with respect to the promises in the abstract, the metrics, and the target
• Clarify the contribution with respect to the previous work (others, yourself)

Title and Authors

• capitalize all nouns, pronouns and verbs, and all other words of four or more letters, e.g., "Robots in Space"
• emails of all the authors must be mentioned
• addresses of the institutions must be mentioned
• use of full names is preferred (i.e., preferred: Mary Price Danny Jones vs. not preferred:  M.P.D. Jones)
• in case initials are used, leave a space after notations like "M.", e.g., correct: M. N. Jones, incorrect: "M.N. Jones "
• no nicknames in the authors lists

Abstract

• avoid abbreviations in the abstract
• introduce the problem you are dealing with by one succinct sentence
• make it clear why the paper is related to the conference you are submitting to
• specify if it is a survey, an evaluation of existing work,  or new ideas with new results
• end the abstract with one sentence reflecting the conclusion of the paper
• don't use references /no [x]s in the abstract/
• follow the style of the template
  "Abstract - The paper..... "

Keywords

• no more than 4-5 keywords
• follow the style of the template
  "Keywords-component; formatting; style; styling; insert (key words)."
• note: use a semicolon between keywords words
• note: the listing ends with a period "."

Footnotes

• there should be no footnotes; either integrate the relevant text within the article, or use a reference

Centering captions (LaTex specific)

Figure and table captions need to be centered. Used the code snippets below as a guide on how to center the captions in your article.

\usepackage{caption}
\captionsetup{font=footnotesize,justification=centering,labelsep=period}
...
\captionsetup{font={footnotesize,sc},justification=centering,labelsep=period}%
\begin{table}[htbp]
\caption{My table.}\label{mytabone}
\centering%
\begin{tabular}{lll}
\hline
\textit{Column 1} & \textit{Column 2} & \textit{Column 3} \\
\hline
a) & Insert more table stuff here. & $\ldots$\\
b) & Insert more table stuff here. & $\ldots$\\
c) & Insert more table stuff here. & $\ldots$\\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}
\captionsetup{font={footnotesize,rm},justification=centering,labelsep=period}%

General

Language

• keep uniform, across the paper, of either "US-English" and "UK-English, to avoid word variations
  e.g., behavior vs. behaviour, modelling vs. modeling, center vs. centre, etc.
• we recommend either one or the other, not a mix
• one might need help even in our native language, so
  + have a peer cross-check
  + have a native English speaker or an English speaker specialist help with a cross-check

Capital Letters

• use a capital letter "S" when saying "In Section 2, we..."
• don't use capital letters when saying "There are four sections, ..."
• use a capital letter when "figure" is followed by a number, e.g., "In Figure 3 we...."
• don't use when no number follows, e.g., "The two figures ..."

Structure

• introduction must end with a paragraph describing the structure of the paper
• between two titles and subtitles, have a sentence or a small paragraph, e.g.,
  "1. Title 1
  We will present...
  1.1 Subtitle 1
  ...................
  "
• don't end a section with a figure
• don't start a section with a figure
• last section must be "Conclusion and Future Work"
• "Conclusion" must reiterate accomplishments announced in the "Abstract"
  note: many submissions fail on this item

Punctuation

• "e.g." is always followed by a comma, so the correct usage is "...substantial, e.g., one and the other"
• no spaces between reference enumerations, e.g., [2][3][5].
• use a uniform figure capture, e.g., "Figure 3. The point of..."
• in text, also use “Figure” at the beginning or inside of a sentence (do not use abbreviation)
• leave a space after a comma, e.g., "Alfa, Omega" and not "Alfa,Omega"
• all abbreviations must be fully spelled when first used, e.g., "...and RR (Remote Retrieval) can be used [x]."; do not expand abbreviations afterwards.
• usually, when there is no confusion, use the reference identifier [x] at the end of the sentence.
• note the difference US- vs. UK style when using quotes
  + US:  ".... text text [x]."
  + UK: ".....text text . [x] "
  + the last form may confuse the reader, when used inside a paragraph.
• ending a quote and a sentence style
  + US: "..text text text 'bataille'.
  + UK: "..text text text 'bataille.'
• in English, the correct use of colon is immediately after a word without a space, e.g., "Peter said: text..."

Correct Spelling

• it is 'Related work" and not "Related works'
• it is Conclusion", and not "Conclusions"
• avoid "Let's ...", use "Let us..." instead
• avoid "I did...", or "We did", except when you want to specifically highlight a team's work; instead, use passive voice, e.g.,"Something was done"
• when used, usually mid-sentence, "i.e." and "e.g." are surrounded by commas
• "e.g.," is used when an example is intended [Latin: "exempli gratia", English: "for example", "for the sake of example", French: "par example"]
• "i.e.," is  used when a clarification is needed [Latin: "id est", English: "that is", French: "c'est-a-dire"]
• "etc." [Latin: etcetera, English: and the rest, French; et autre]
• "Q.E.D." [Latin: "quod erat demonstrandum", English: "which was to be demonstrated", French: "ce qu'il fallait démontrer"
  + used for mathematical formulas, at the end of a proof.

Claims & Formulae

• own claims must be substantially defended
• someone else's statements endorsed by you must be referred to by a reference identifier [x]
• when formulae are used, their source must be disclosed (via references)
• formulae must be numbered by (x)
• your own formulae must be carefully explained and the ownership must be clearly specified
• all the abbreviations or key concepts must have a reference, possibly even explained

Figures

• don't use blurry figures
• even though one can enlarge an electronic document, use legible text for the figures
• imported figures /even enhanced/ must have their origin specified as a reference
• text inside the figures must be legible
• describe every figure in plain text; don't assume the reader understand it
• abbreviations in a figure must be explained in the plain text, not on the figure
• place the figures close to the text referring to them
• larger figures or sequences of figures related to a given concept can be placed at the end
• all figure captions end with a period "."

Results

• clarify the tools used for obtaining the results /benchmarks, software, hardware, etc./
• for special tools, provide a reference
• when theory is the core, a concrete application greatly increases the value of the contribution
• when pure applications/systems are the main scope of the contribution, stressing out the concepts and theories behind them gives more value to the work
• when simulations are shown, explain why particular parameters where chosen
• diagrams must be explained /what?/ and interpreted /why?/
• summarize the results by comparison tables/graphs/etc. with the prior-art; it proves your understanding and makes your message clearer
• defend new proposals by general metrics such as performance, robustness, complexity, scalability, etc. in addition to the metrics specific to your contribution
• conclude with "lesson learned'
• provide next steps by 'future work', usually in "Conclusion and Future Work"

References

• follow the style recommended in the Call for Papers
• URL references should be limited
• URL references must be verified at the time when the camera-ready is submitted
• the checking date must be written in ISO, e.g.,  [x] <link> 2012.03.22
• non-English language references must also provide an English language translation of the reference title
• references must be uniform in terms of
  + first vs. last name
  + abbreviation, e.g., P. Jones, or Peter Jones - use of the "and"
  + Peter Jones and Patrick Smith /no comma in front of "and"/
  + Peter Jones, Anne DuBois, and Patrick Smith
• all references must be used in the text, i.e., referred to
• references are assumed to be the most up to date, unless fundamental concepts are enhanced and one must refer to the original proposal
• note that the freshness of the references gives a good idea on how actual a given contribution is
• page numbers are required; for Latex, use the bibtemplate file accordingly

Plagiarism and Self-Plagiarism

• avoid cut&paste of big portions from your previous work
• when used, any quoted "fragment"must rely on a reference.
• reusing ideas and enhancing them should be based on a paraphrase 
• always refer to your published work (in "References"), if small portions are ethically reused
• some images and figures may require explicit accept from the original authors or from those owning the "copyright"
• make it always clear what is "from the literature" and what is "your own contribution"
• there is no shame to give credit to someone else!
• use an "Acknowledgments" section, after "Conclusion and future work", to thank those who contributed, either scientifically or financially, but not at the level to be an author

HEADLINE WRITING

Headlines

I.  Where readers start.

The importance of headlines cannot be understated. For many editors, can seem like added burdens; the stories are what really count. Headlines are far too often written last (often quickly and under deadline pressure).  

But let’s think like a reader. The reader unfolds the newspaper and sees what first? The photos, the headlines. These are the first reader entry points.  Busy people (which includes all of your readers) scan the newspaper, surveying photos, headlines and cutlines to decide if they want to commit more time to reading the stories that interest them. The photos, cutlines and headlines are thus important decision-making points. In fact, they may be more important than any paragraph in a normal story. Probably more news consumers see the headlines and cutlines on Page One than read the first graph of even the lead story.  

Good photography and writing good cutlines are vital ¾ but this lesson focuses on the page editor’s role in providing information the reader needs to decide whether to read on: writing good headlines. Consider this: what is the correlation of the readers’ needs for headlines -- and the importance placed on them by editors in terms of attitude and time allotted toward the task. Editors should dedicate plenty of time to this important task.  

Headlines must be accurate: in fact, in implication, in spelling, in grammar.  When readers see errors, they assume a similar rate of error will continue.  They must decide whether it is worth their time to read a story that may start with a 20 percent error rate in the headline (e.g., one error in five words).

II.  Four imperatives for writing headlines:

Headlines:

·        must be correct (in fact and implication). 

must connect to ordinary readers (be easily understood).

must attract attention (using interesting, active words).  

must set (or match) tone of the article.

Headline warning: Never allow cute, creative headlines to blind you to the need for accuracy. Be alert to headlines that have unintended meanings.

Current trend in headline writing. Use hammer headlines: 1-3 words without a verb, often using a double-meaning or subtlety. The subhead then explains the news accurately

III. Headline writing process: news, features

·        Be quick, but don’t hurry. Don’t allow the goal of “pushing pages” before deadline to short-circuit the need to write accurate, clear, tasteful headlines.  Remember: readers start here.

• Understand the news peg or feature angle. 
• Use the Key Word system: select key words from story (but don’t parrot lead). Select words that reflect the central theme of the article. 
• For news heads: play it straight, summarize the news. 
• For feature heads: be creative. Tease, flirt, hint - but don’t give away lead. 
• In feature heads, use freshened clichés, creative puns, twists of ad slogans, well-known sayings. 
• Highlight intrigue, contrast or conflict within central theme, using key words. 
• Avoid lazy headline writing. Don’t settle for your first try, then change type size to make it fit. 
• Don’t fall in love with your own cute, creative puns. The challenge: rewrite and make it better. 
• Seek the input of others: How can the headline be misread? Does it work? 
• Listen to the lone ranger: honor the courage of one brave soul who objects.  One person who doesn’t “get it” now represents thousands who won’t get it later. 
• When it comes down to Cute vs. Truth, make sure you choose the right one.

IV.  The TACT Test:Taste-Attractiveness-Clarity-Truth

(Ask these questions of each headline):

1.       Is it in good taste? Anything offensive in any way? Can anything be taken a wrong way?

2.      Does it attract the reader’s attention? How can it be improved without sacrificing accuracy?

3.      Does it communicate clearly, quickly? Any confusion? Any odd words, double meanings?

4.      Is it accurate, true? Proper words used? Is the thrust of subject-verb true?

5.      A single “NO” above is a veto. One “No” vote represents thousands of readers. Start over: rethink the headline from the beginning.

IV The One-Last-Look Step.

Each version of each headline must pass the TACT Test -- one last time. Don’t forget this step. Don’t rush through or bypass the TACT Test. The last or latest version must be examined as if it were the first version.

Errors in headlines do not often occur because the writer doesn’t care. Many have occurred on headlines that got plenty of attention, but the One-Last-Look Step was skipped. It may have been a difficult head to write -- and all agree the last one solves a key problem. This may be the time when no one stops to reexamine it one last time for a newly created problem (e.g., a typo/misspelled word, a double meaning, a word that can be misunderstood by the ordinary reader). Always pause a minute to conduct the One-Last-Look Step. 

Beware when everyone falls in love with the latest version of a headline.  Here’s an example of a short-circuited headline writing process: a story about Mideast violence in the fall of 2000. The story reported that Palestinian outbursts often occurred on Fridays after Sabbath noon prayers. Here’s the news headline:

Mideast violence flairs

after Sabbath prayers         

The problem: The writer of the headline too quickly became infatuated with the rhyme and didn’t double-check to make sure it was accurate. The writer forgot the One-Last-Look Step. The word flairs is the wrong word; the correct word: flares. Fortunately, this was caught and corrected by another editor whore-examined the headline carefully with a healthy, skeptical approach ¾ before it was published.

VI. Choosing headline verbs.

·        Use active, short, action verbs.

• Remember to have fun; think of more interesting ways to attract the reader.
• Balance the fun/attractive elements of the headline with accuracy. It must remain accurate.
• Avoid words that could be read as either a noun or a verb.
• Examine connotations, context, unintended meanings. 
• Work hard to find the precise verb that summarizes the action. 

·        A note about synonyms. Are there any? There may be some ¾ but most words carry distinct connotations. Get the right word.

Heads without verbs

·        Use creative, attractive hammers of one to three words. 

• Then add drop heads in smaller type that clearly explains heart of story.
• Make the right choice: clear labels vs. vague labels (clear is better).
• Use humor and double meanings effectively. 
• Beware the pitfalls of over-simplification.

Avoiding headlinese

Shun headline jargon whenever possible:

·        Stenholm eyes new legislation.

• Syrian head visits Senate.
• Mexican left wins more seats.
• Arson suspect held in Smithson case.
• Another gubernatorial candidate enters fray.
• FBI probe expected in hijacking case.

VII. Some do’s & don’ts

(Borrowed, adapted and condensed from a number of sources.)

·        Make the headline easy to read. The key purpose of the head: to communicate.

• Don’t mislead reader. 
• Don’t exaggerate; maintain neutrality. 
• Remember the rules of grammar and use them. 
• Don’t split nouns, modifiers, verbs and prepositional phrases over two lines. 
• Each line should be a unit by itself. 
• Abbreviate sparingly . 
• Verify accuracy -- and avoid any word that can carry a double meaning.
• Make the head complete in itself (especially true for news heads). 
• Don’t begin with a verb (“Saves daughter from fire”). 
• Use present tense to indicate past (“Bush wins presidency”). 
• Don’t use present tense to indicate future unless necessary; add time element for clarity. 
• Don’t use common or unrecognized names in heads. 
• Don’t use said, when you mean said to be  (“County said considering tax increase”).  
• Don’t use feel, believes or thinks. 
• Don’t pad heads with unnecessary words. 
• Avoid slang unless relevant to feature story and headline.

Dr. Merlin R. Mann

Associate Professor of Journalism

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University

301 Don H. Morris Center

ACU Station, Box 27892

Abilene, TX 79699-7892

O: 915-674-2019

Fax: 915-674-2139

8 grammar rules for writing newspaper headlines

by Phil Williams | Nov 19, 2013 | Grammar, Writing skills | 15 comments

Reading newspaper articles is an excellent way for foreign learners to build vocabulary and practice comprehension using real material. It can expose you to different topics, and a variety of language that is rare in spoken English. However, newspaper writing is rarely a representation of common English. Headlines in newspapers, in particular, use different grammar rules to everyday English. This is because they are designed to be short and to attract attention. The following 8 rules are often used to achieve this:

1. Use present simple tense for past events

The present tense is quick and current, and helps emphasise the action happening, rather than its completion.

• Parliament confirms new stray dog policy
• Lion escapes zoo

If we want to demonstrate the result of an action, or that something was completed, we can use perfect tenses, and for changing events, the present continuous may be used. However, these tenses are often shown by using participles alone.

2. Leave out auxiliary verbs

With perfect, progressive and passive structures, auxiliary verbs are not necessary. This makes some headlines appear to be in the past tense, when actually the headlines use past participles, or particles, not the past simple. Similarly, changing events are represented by the present participle on its own.

• New policy decided by Parliament (New policy has been decided by Parliament)
• Lion escapes zoo – ten killed (ten people have been killed / were killed)
• Four stranded in sudden flood (four people have been stranded / were stranded)
• Temperatures rising as climate changes (temperatures are rising)

3. Use infinitives for future events

• Parliament to decide new policy tomorrow
• President to visit France for further talks

Using the infinitive, a future time is not always necessary to demonstrate the future tense in headlines.

4. Leave out articles (a, an, the)

• Prime Minister hikes Alps for charity (The Prime Minister hiked the Alps)
• Man releases rabid dog in park (A man released a rabid dog in a park)

5. Leave out “to be”

• Residents unhappy about new road (residents are unhappy)
• Family of murder victim satisfied with court decision (family of murder victim is satisfied.)

6. Leave out “to say”

• Mr Jones: “They’re not taking my house!”
• Bush on Iraqi invasion: “This aggression will not stand.”

Reported speech is usually represented by a colon, or a hyphen, with the subject introduced with ‘on…’. This includes leaving out other verbs such as comment, tell, argue, announce, shout – unless the act of speaking needs emphasising, for instance to demonstrate a promise or official policy.

• Warlord decrees “Peace by Spring.”

7. Replace conjunctions with punctuation

• Police arrest serial killer – close case on abductions
• Fire in bakery: hundreds dead

As with reporting speech, commas, colons, semi-colons, hyphens and so on can replace all conjunctions, or some joining verbs, to join clauses. Commas may also be used to join nouns (more common in American English).

• Man kills 5, self

8. Use figures for numbers

• 9 dead in glue catastrophe
• 7 days to Christmas – shoppers go mad

News Writing, Editorial Writing, Column Writing and Feature Writing

News Writing, Editorial Writing, Column Writing and Feature Writing

Write comprehensive notes on the following forms of journalistic writing:

1.News Writing

News is defined as information about an event, idea or opinion that is timely and that affects and interests a large number f people in a community.  News must fulfill the following requirements

–               It should not have been published any where before;

–               It should come to the readers for the first time;

–               A news must relate in one way or the other to the human activity;

–               It should have an element of interest for the readers

–               It should impart some sort of information or education to the readers;

–               It should be concise and accurate

News Characteristics

A.         It is accurate

1.         Factual accuracy means that e4very statement, every name and date, every age and address, every quotation is a verifiable fact

1. Accuracy means not only correctness of specific detail but also correctness of general impression, the way the details are put together and the emphasis given.
2. Accuracy is difficult to achieve because of the myriad facts which go into a story, the speed involved in modern journalism, the many people who help to produce the finished story;
3. A report must exercise ceaseless vigilance to achieve accuracy.  He must check every note and other details.B.           It is balanced.
   1. Balance in a news story is a matter of emphasis and completeness.  It is a reporter’s giving each fact its proper emphasis putting it in proper relation to every other fact, establishing its relative importance to the meaning of a story.
   2. Balance means selecting and arranging facts so as to give a balanced view of a news event.
   3. News is the factual report of an event not the event as a prejudiced person might see or as the reporters or sponsor might wish it to have been.
   4. A reporter should report news impartially and honestly
   5. It is difficult to understand all fact of the story.  When objectivity collides with complexity a good reporter should help the consumer see the objective facts in perspective.
   6. A news story must follow the inverted pyramid form and be written so tersely simply and clearly that the meaning is absolutely plain.
   7. Effective reporting is painstakingly precise in word choice, yet full of life and vigor, colorful, yet without personal tinting affectation or overwriting.
4. E.           It is recent.
   1. The element of time is of prime consideration to reporters.
   2. Readers want the most recent information on topics in which they are interested.

C.           It is Objective

D.           It is concise and clear

2.         Editorial Writing

Editorial page has occupied an importance place in the newspaper industry.   Editorial reflects the newspaper ideology and is considered the mouthpiece of the newspaper management.  Editorial is an important tool to build public opinion in a positive and constructive way on important national and international issues.  The basic principles of Editorial writing are:

Every editorial is made up of three parts:

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

a.         Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph. It often begins with a general statement about the topic and ends with a more specific statement of the main idea. The purpose of the introduction is to:

• let the reader know what the topic is
• inform the reader about your point of view
• arouse the reader’s curiosity so that he or she will want to read about your topic

b.         Body

The body of the editorial follows the introduction. It consists of a number of paragraphs in which you develop your ideas in detail:

• Limit each paragraph to one main idea. (Don’t try to talk about more than one idea per paragraph.)
• Prove your points continually by using specific examples and quotations.
• Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow of ideas from paragraph to paragraph.

c.         Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph. Its purpose is to:

• summarize your main points, leaving out specific examples

Kind of Editorials

Editorial are of four (4) kinds:

I           Civic editorials

II          Policy editorials

III         Big News editorials

IV        Obituary Editorials

A good editorial makes three things clear

–                      The subject or news peg –  the news event or current situation or occasion evoking editorial

–                      The reaction – clear-cut for or against, what the editorial writer wants the reader to think about.

–                      The reasons – facts or logical arguments to back the statement.  This organizational order is not only the most logical but it is the easiest for the beginner to learn.

Classification of Editorials

Editorials can be classified on the basis of functions as follows:

–                      to influence opinion;

–                      to call attention to a wrong/evil to enlighten readers

–                      to praise or to congratulate;

–                      to comment lightly on the news

3.         Column Writing:

Column is the creative expression covering all fields of journalism.  It also contains personal opinion of the writer, which is not welcomed in other form of news story writing.

A column may pass the projected judgements, make recommendations and may write freely without following the accepted boundaries of news writing.

The style as well approach of column writing is neither serious nor compulsive.  A column can be written on any aspect of human interest, it can be humorous, entertaining, sport, talking about people’s life, politics, good governance and may also deal with socio-economic issues such as finance, industry etc.

Qualities of a column, editorial and sometime a feature are intermingled, however, column offer an opportunity for variety in content that no feature or editorial can approach.

A Column should always carry the writer’s by-line and where necessary photographs may also be used.  Columns appear at regular intervals and usually in the same location in the publication in order to facilitate the readers.

Columns may be subject oriented such as those in hobbies or crafts and project the writer’s personal opinion and personality, offering humor, opinion and anecdotes.

Types of Columns:

Columns are considered very useful piece of material, which is flexible enough to fit in at various placed.  Columns can be divided in the following major types and classifications:

A)        Reporting-in-Depth Columns:

In this category background info, perspective and interpretation are given to any happening as a follow-up of any hard news.  The current news events are presented by relating to the past information and projecting future perspective.

b)           “I Think” or Opinionated Columns

Seasoned/experienced columnists usually write this type of columns.  The writer put himself at the driving seat and gives his opinion/observation as a specialist on the topic under discussion.

c)            Gossip Columns

The reader is attracted to this type of columns because it contains a juicy bit of gossip.  Column contain little expect its titillating value which may not be the writer’s exclusive domain.

d)        Humorous Columns

This type of column is considered light weight.  The writer tries to find the humorous aspect in life and write an article that will amuse reader.  These columns also spotlight on an event more clearly than thousands of words of explanation.

e)         Essay Columns

This require a perceptiveness or possible just and cover powering interesting in people that all authors do not possess.

f)             Personality Diary Columns

Diary columns come from public figures and usually written by writers who claim to be close with the concerned personality.  Such columns also may emanate from those who have special place in public like politician, super stars etc.  Most writers occasionally attempt this kind of wring.

g)           How-to-do or Advice Columns

This kind of column is intended to educate the readers through gentle instructions and usually appear on editorial pages.

4.         Feature Writing:

Feature is a non-news article giving background information on certain prominent events or personality in the news.

Features cover all the underlying causes as well as the background of the news story.  It provides guidance as well as entertainment to all the readers including those who are already well aware of the facts and figures of the subject.

The task of writing is usually much easier if you create a set of notes which outline the points you are going to make. Using this approach, you will create a basic structure on which your ideas can be built.

1. PlansGet used to the idea of shaping and re-shaping your ideas before you start writing, editing and rearranging your arguments as you give them more thought.

1. Analyze the questionMake sure you understand what the question is asking for. What is it giving you the chance to write about? What is its central issue? Analyze any of its key terms and any instructions. If you are in any doubt, ask your tutor to explain what is required.

1. Generate ideas

You need to assemble ideas.  Make a note of anything, which might be relevant to your answer. These might be topics, ideas, observations, or instances from your study materials. Put down anything you think of at this stage.

1. Choosing topics

Extract from your brainstorm listings those topics and points of argument, which are of greatest relevance to the question and its central issue?

1. Put topics in order

Put these chosen topics in some logical sequence. At this stage you should be formulating a basic response to the question, even if it is provisional and may later be changed. Try to arrange the points so that they form a persuasive and coherent argument.

1. Arrange your evidence

All the major points in your argument need to be supported by some sort of evidence. Compile a list of brief quotations from other sources which will be offered as your evidence.

1.  Make necessary changes

Whilst you have been engaged in the first stages of planning, new ideas may have come to mind. Alternate evidence may have occurred to you, or the line of your argument may have shifted somewhat.

1. Finalize essay plan

The structure of most features plans can be summarized as Introduction – Arguments – Conclusion. State your case as briefly and rapidly as possible, present the evidence for this case in the body, then sum up and try to ‘lift’ the argument to a higher level in your conclusion.

1. RelevanceAt all stages, you should keep the question in mind. Keep asking yourself ‘Is this evidence directly relevant to the topic I have been asked to discuss?
   1. Personalities
   2. Commemoration
   3. Social and Cultural Sources
   4. Science and Technology
   5. Psychological Features
   6. History
   7. Instruction and Educational sources
   8. Investigative features

Sources f Feature

5.         Writing Interview

Defining Interview:

Different scholars have defined interview differently, however, most of them agreed that

“Asking questions to obtain opinion, ideas or special information on a topic of interest to the public from a prominent person or a recognized authority”

Due to the public acceptance and popularity amongst the reader, the newspapers regularly include interviews in their publications.  Interview is one of the most widely used forms of journalistic techniques.

Interviews have four major categories

a)            Informative Interviews: it involves gathering of information about new events or issues

b)            Feature Interviews: Usually conducted with a celebrity like a movie star, sports hero, politician etc.

c)            Opinion Interview: – Conducted with prominent persons to sought opinion on an active issue.

d)            Symposium Interview: it involves several people talking on the same topic to get a variety of viewpoint.

Art of Interview:

Before conducting interview the moderator or interviewer needs to be prepared thoroughly.  He/She must follow the following general criteria before conducting an interview:

1. Selection of topic for interview
2. Selection of Interviewee
3. Contact with the Source
4. Selection of place for interview
5. Selection of date and time for interview
6. Conducting research on interviewee.
7. Gathering all relevant research/information on the topic
8. Gathering information related to interviewee e.g. his/her special interest, his past accomplishments, personal ideology and weaknesses.
9. Preparing a comprehensive list of questionnaire
10. Arranging all technical requirements and equipment needs.

The interviewer should following these interview techniques:

1. Introduce yourself clearly and accurately;
2. Be sure to get the person’s name and title;
3. Be friendly, sympathetic and courteous;
4. Begin the interview with light and interesting question
5. Avoid Yes/no questions
6. Be courageous and prepared to draw questions from the ongoing discussions
7. Avoid ambiguous question
8. Do not allow the interviewee to take control of the situation or to misguide you
9. Never agree to ask pre-agreed questions
10. Make sure that you understand what the interviewee had said
11. Keep on probing until the point is fully explained.