The Special Program in Journalism for Grade 4, specifically through its Quarter 2 Module, provides a framework for students to distinguish between different forms of media writing. The module focuses on the classification and comparison of five primary categories: News, Editorial, Feature, Science and Technology, and Sports. By using sample articles and historical context, the material establishes the specific standards and structures required for professional communication in a school publication or a broader media environment.
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Technical definitions and structural requirements of news
News writing is defined in the module as an accurate, factual, and unbiased account of ideas or events that affect a significant number of people. The text suggests the term ‘NEWS’ is commonly associated with the acronym for North, East, West, and South, indicating that information is gathered from all geographical directions. A news article follows the inverted pyramid structure, where the most important information appears at the beginning and the least important details are placed at the end.
To be considered a news story, the writing must address the ‘5 Ws’ in the first two or three paragraphs:
- Who was involved in the event
- What happened during the incident
- When the event took place
- Where the event occurred
- Why the event happened
The example provided, titled ‘Sagip Litnum rescues 2,213 learners’ by Fatima Anne T. Singson, demonstrates these principles. It uses specific data, such as the fact that 28.24 percent of learners in the PHIL IRI English Pretest were non-readers, to ground the report in factual evidence. The focus remains on objectivity and timely reporting rather than the personal views of the writer.
The function of opinion in editorial writing
In contrast to news, an editorial is an opinionated piece that represents the viewpoint of the newspaper on a specific issue. While news is meant to inform, the goal of an editorial is to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. These articles are typically unsigned and are used to promote critical thinking regarding current events or social issues.
According to the module, effective editorials possess specific characteristics:
- They include an introduction, body, and conclusion similar to news stories.
- They provide an objective explanation of complex issues before offering an opinion.
- They address opposing viewpoints to refute them directly.
- They offer alternative, pro-active solutions to the problems being criticized.
- They maintain a professional tone, avoiding name-calling or petty tactics.
The sample editorial ‘Ultimate Salvation’ by Briana Sofia S. Agtarap addresses the learning gaps in education caused by the pandemic. It provides a professional assessment of how school closures driven by the health crisis led to learning losses, then offers a perspective on the need for sound reading and numeracy programs. This structure ensures that the opinion is supported by logical reasoning and constructive criticism.
Narrative depth in feature writing
Feature articles represent a more subjective and creative form of journalism. Unlike news reports that focus on factual evidence and immediacy, features are often longer and provide greater depth or a different angle on an ongoing story. They are intended to be memorable and emphasize a specific tone, such as humor, sadness, or entertainment.
Features are distinguished by the quality of the writing and the economy of expression. The module notes that while they are informative, they maintain an entertaining tone that involves the reader in the creative aspects of the topic. Examples provided include ‘The Wonders of Ice Cream’ by Rhea Bercasio, which uses sensory details to describe the ‘creamy smoothness’ and ‘mouth-watering flavors’ of dessert, and ‘Charmed’ by Moral, which explores the personal experience of visiting Hoi An in Vietnam.
| Feature Characteristic | News Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Subjective and creative | Objective and factual |
| Entertaining tone | Informative tone |
| Longer, in-depth analysis | Brief, inverted pyramid structure |
| Focuses on human interest | Focuses on timely events |
| Uses varied styles and structures | Uses standardized 5 Ws structure |
Science and technology journalism for general audiences
Science writing serves as a bridge between technical experts and the general public. The module describes it as a ‘co-constructive conversation’ between the writer and the reader. A science writer must be capable of popularizing complex reports, translating them into stories that are relevant to the daily lives of people who are not scientists.
This form of journalism requires the writer to have a broad understanding of various fields, acting as an interpreter for topics such as chemistry, zoology, and technological development. The sample article ‘The Magnetic Twist’ explains the development of hybrid superconductors and their potential for quantum computing. Similarly, ‘The Stupidity of AI’ by Bridle discusses the limitations and creative capabilities of software released by OpenAI in 2021, making the technical subject accessible to a Grade 4 audience.
The action-oriented structure of sports news
Sports writing is a form of creative nonfiction that covers athletes, games, and sports-related issues. Like general news, it answers the five Ws and one H (How), but it is specifically designed to describe the most thrilling and eventful parts of a competition. It uses a specialized vocabulary known as ‘sports lingo’ to convey the action of the game.
Key elements that must be included in a sports article are:
- Highlights of the game or competition
- Names of the teams or individual athletes involved
- The specific type of sport being played
- The final score or outcome of the match
- The time and location of the event
In the example ‘Diego demolishes Dela Cruz, brings home gold,’ the writer uses terms like ‘posted seven body shots,’ ‘subdue,’ and ‘snatch the Gold Medal’ to create a sense of action. The article provides the exact score (16-4) and the venue (MES Gymnasium), fulfilling the requirement for factual accuracy while maintaining a high-energy tone.
Historical context of Philippine journalism
The module includes a section on the history of journalism in the Philippines, identifying key figures who contributed to the development of the field. This context helps students understand that journalism has long been used as a tool for national identity and social change.
- Marcelo H. Del Pilar: Regarded as the ‘Father of Journalism’ in the Philippines, he founded the Tagalog newspaper Diariong Tagalog and published numerous essays in La Solidaridad.
- Jose Rizal: A prolific writer who authored Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which documented the conditions under Spanish rule.
- Apolinario Mabini: Known as the ‘Brain of the Revolution’ or ‘Utak ng Himagsikan,’ he wrote the Constitutional Program of the Philippine Republic.
- Tomas Pinpin: Referred to as the ‘Prince of the Filipino Printers.’
- Graciano Lopez Jaena: Known for addressing social injustices through works like ‘Fray Botod.’
- Armando J. Malay: A journalist, scholar, and activist who reported for the Tribune after World War II.
Pedagogical evaluation and rubrics
To ensure students can apply these concepts, the module utilizes a scoring rubric for writing activities. This rubric evaluates four specific areas: Introduction and Conclusion, Main Points, Organization, and Style. Each area is scored on a scale from 1 to 4, with a maximum total of 20 points.
A score of 4 in ‘Main Points’ requires that the main idea is clearly defined and supported by accurate, relevant details from a variety of sources. In terms of ‘Organization,’ a top score is awarded for a logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the topic. The ‘Style’ category looks for a writer’s voice that is honest and enthusiastic, using natural yet thought-provoking language. The grade equivalents are established as follows:
- A: 18-20 points
- B: 15-17 points
- C: 10-14 points
- D: 6-9 points
- E: 1-5 points
This structured approach to evaluation helps students understand that professional journalism requires a balance of factual accuracy, clear organization, and a distinct authorial voice.
Practically, for Grade 4 learners, this module means that journalism is not a singular activity but a collection of specialized styles. A student interested in sports must master different vocabulary than a student writing an editorial on school safety. The ability to identify these categories through their characteristics—such as the 5 Ws in news or the persuasive solutions in an editorial—is the first step toward effective media participation.
SPJ4_Q2_Module2_Compare-and-Contrast-Articles-of-Common-Journalistic-WritingContinue Reading:
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Contributions of notable Filipino journalists in education
Principles of news characteristics and elements in grade 5 journalism