Assalamualaikum Wr. Wb.
In this night, it’s better for us to study English, because in the night we will have a good concentration to learn. It is not good if in the night we just watch television or use our mobile phone to open facebook, twitter, or whatsup. Right? But it doesn’t mean that I prohibit you to watch television or use your mobile phone. If you can use the wisely it is also good for you.
English material that we will discuss now is news items text. Before I explain it, I want to ask you, Do you like watching news in television? Do you like reading newspaper? If you like doing all those things, it means that you are familiar with news item, but what is news item text? Many students do not know what exactly it is. Although, this text is learned in senior high school, most of them still get difficulties if they are asked to write news item text.
Before you try to make a news item text, it is better if you know first ‘what is news item text?’. News item text is a text that relates to the news. There are two kinds of news item text, written and spoken. News that we read in newspaper is written text form. News that we hear in radio or television is spoken text form. This text also has the generic structure. Those are newsworthy event, sources and background events.
Definition of News Item
News item is a text which informs readers about events of the day. The events are considered newsworthy or important.
It means if there is an important event that should be known by many people, then this event deserves news. Well, the news text is called the news item text. However, if there are events that people do not deserve, then they are not definitely worth to be news.
Generic Structure of News Item
1. Main Events/Newsworthy event(s)
It recounts the event in summary form.
2. Elaboration/Background event(s)
They elaborate what happened, to whom, in what circumstance.
3. Resource of Information (Source)
It contains comments by participants in, witnesses to and authorities expert on the event.
Purpose of News Item
News Item Text is used to inform readers about events of the day which are considered newsworthy or important.
News item also has a destination, following:
News item also has a destination, following:
• To inform the readers about newsworthy or important events of the day.
• To present information the readers about newsworthy or important events of the day.
• To present information the readers about newsworthy or important events of the day.
Language Feature of News Item
1. Focusing on circumstances (using a simple language in writing the text).
2. Using saying verbs: “….”, She said, informed, told, reported.
3. Sometimes at the beginning of news, the scene is mentioned : Jakarta – … .. / Kuala Lumpur – ….
4. Using Past tense in explaining news events. But if it is a fact that until now still happen or still in the form of fact, then can use simple present tense.
5. Short, telegraphic information about story captured in headline.
6. Using adverbs: time, place and manner.
7. Uses of material processes to retell the event.
Tips of Reporting
We read a "news item" to find out specific information about an event reported in the news. Every "news item" has to have the answers to the five WH questions:
• What - What happened exactly?
• Who - Who are the people and groups involved in the event?
• When - When did the event take place?
• Where - Where did the event take place?
• Why - Why did it happen? (The reasons behind the event)
Remember!!!
If you read information and write it in your own words, you are reporting!
If you copy someone else's writing you are doing something illegal. No reporter is allowed to plagiarize from any other reporter!
Example of News Item Text
Indonesian Maid beheaded
An Indonesian housemaid has been executed in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of killing her employer, the Saudi Interior Minister said.
The woman was beheaded in the Southern Asir province in what was the second execution in the country.
The maid was earlier found of suffocating her female boss and stealing her jewellery. Rape, murder and other serious crimes can carry the death penalty in the conservative desert kingdom.
Last year, Saudi Arabia, which follow a strict intepretation of Syaria, Islamic law executed more than 130 people.
(Taken from: www.news.bbc.co.id)
Generic Structure Analysis
Main event; an Indonesian maid was beheaded in Saudi Arabia.
Background 1; the maid was found guilty of suffocating her bos.
Background 2; serious crimes can carry death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
Background 3; Saudi Arabia executed more than 130 people last year.
Resource; the Saudi Interior Minister statement.
Language Feature Analysis
Focussing circumtances; law of serious crimes.
Using material process; behead, execute, carry, etc.
Okey, I that’s all my explanation about News Items Text. I hope it will be useful for us. Thanks for your visiting.
Waalaikumsalam Wr. Wb.
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