We have discussed, and will continue to discuss, story structure.
Please read the story below, reported and written by Patti Newberry, a CoJMC alum who has covered the trial daily since it began in late August.
This is a very effective way to structure a complex story as a way to remind readers, update key information and "set the stage" for what comes next: The defense.
Questions for students:
Discuss the story structure Newberry uses. Do you find it effective — especially as an occasional reader of stories about the case? Did you like this structure? Why or why not?
What questions, if any, do you have for me and/or Newberry?
Newberry's story structure is reminiscent of a newsletter one would receive in an email from a news organization . It is effective in presenting an overview of various elements of the case. Both readers who have background knowledge of the case and readers who are completely unfamiliar with the case can digest the information. I do like this structure, because it sums up a six-year journey into six pages. It provides hard facts but also highlights the human elements of this tragedy. A question I have for Newberry is, how long does it take to compile all of this information and talk with sources?