Mastering News Reports
A Complete Guide to News Report Writing for IB English B
Learn to write clear, objective, and engaging news reports that inform readers effectively — essential skills for Paper 1 at B2–C1 level.
22 slides covering foundations, the inverted pyramid, all structural components, language conventions, worked examples, four practice tasks, and a quick-reference checklist.
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What is a News Report?
A news report is an objective, factual account of a recent event written for a newspaper, news website, or news magazine. It informs readers about important events, developments, or issues.
Objective
Reports facts without personal opinions or bias
Factual
Based on verified information and sources
Timely
Covers recent or current events
Informative
Answers the 5 Ws and H questions
To inform the public about newsworthy events quickly and accurately. News reports are NOT opinion pieces, editorials, or personal stories — they stick to the facts.
Why it matters for IB
Writing news reports demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly, organise information logically, and maintain an objective tone — critical academic skills.
The 5 Ws and H
Every news report must answer these six essential questions:
WHO?
Who is involved? Who did it? Who is affected?
WHAT?
What happened? What is the event or issue?
WHEN?
When did it happen? Be specific with dates and times.
WHERE?
Where did it take place? Location details.
WHY?
Why did it happen? What caused it?
HOW?
How did it happen? What were the circumstances?
The first paragraph (the lead) should answer at least WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE. WHY and HOW are developed in the following paragraphs.
The Inverted Pyramid Structure
News reports follow the inverted pyramid structure — most important information first, details later.
Readers get the essential story even if they stop after the first paragraph. Editors can cut from the bottom if space is limited. The most important information is never lost.
Components of a News Report
1. Headline
5–10 words · present tense · active voice · no articles if possible · summarises the story
2. Byline
Author's name, sometimes date/location — e.g. By Sarah Chen, Bangkok | 15 March 2025
3. Lead paragraph
First paragraph answering WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE (30–40 words)
4. Body paragraphs
Details, quotes, and background in descending order of importance — 2–4 sentences each
5. Quotes
2–3 direct quotations from named, credible sources — add credibility and human interest
Paragraphs in journalism are typically 2–4 sentences. Each paragraph focuses on one main idea.
Writing Effective Headlines
Strong headlines
School Launches New Recycling Programme
Clear, active, informative
Local Teen Wins National Science Award
Specific, interesting
City Council Approves Downtown Park Plan
Present tense, concise
New Library Opens to Public Next Week
Timely, clear
Weak headlines
Something Happened at School
Too vague
A Very Interesting Thing That You Should Know About
Too long, unclear
I Think the New Policy is Bad
Opinion, not news
Things That Happened Yesterday
No specific information
[Subject] + [Strong verb] + [Object/detail]
Example: "Students Organise Climate March" · "School Raises 45,000 Baht for Hospital"
The Lead Paragraph
The lead (or lede) is the most important paragraph of your news report. It must hook readers and deliver essential information immediately.
What to include
- WHO is involved (person, organisation, group)
- WHAT happened (the main event or development)
- WHEN it occurred (specific date/time)
- WHERE it took place (location)
Strong lead example
"Riverside High School launched a new student-led recycling initiative on Monday, aiming to reduce campus waste by 50 percent over the next academic year."
WHO: Riverside High School · WHAT: launched recycling initiative · WHEN: Monday · WHY/HOW: developed in next paragraphs
Lead paragraph mistakes to avoid
- Starting with background instead of the main event
- Being too vague: "Something interesting happened recently…"
- Burying the main story in the middle of the paragraph
- Including unnecessary details that can wait for later
Body Paragraphs: Building the Story
Paragraph 2: Why and How
Explain the reasons behind the event and how it happened.
Paragraph 3: Key details & first quote
Add important specifics and include a relevant quote from a credible source.
Paragraph 4: Impact & context
Explain effects on people or the community; provide background information.
Paragraph 5: Second quote & reaction
A second perspective — a different stakeholder speaking directly.
Paragraph 6: Future implications
What happens next? Any planned developments or responses?
In journalism, paragraphs are typically 2–4 sentences. Each paragraph focuses on one main idea.
Using Quotes Effectively
Quotes add credibility, human interest, and different perspectives to your news report.
Direct quote format
"We are thrilled to see students taking initiative on environmental issues," said Principal Dr Maria Santos. "This programme will make a real difference to our school community."
✓ Quote marks · ✓ Attribution with title · ✓ Natural placementAttribution verbs — use neutral ones
Use: said, stated, explained, noted, added, commented, reported
Avoid biased verbs: claimed, admitted, insisted — these suggest doubt or emotion
- Always attribute quotes to a specific person with their title or role
- Use quotes that add new information, not just restate facts
- Include 2–3 quotes in a 400–650 word report
- Introduce speakers before or after the quote with their credentials
Language & Style for News Reports
| Feature | Use ✓ | Avoid ✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Objective, neutral, formal | Personal opinions, bias, emotions |
| Voice | Third person (he, she, they) | First person (I, we) or second person (you) |
| Tense | Past for events; present for current situations | Inconsistent tense switching |
| Vocabulary | Clear, precise, factual language | Slang, jargon, overly complex words |
| Sentences | Short to medium length, direct | Very long, complex sentences |
Objective vs. Subjective Language
Objective — news writing ✓
"The concert attracted 5,000 attendees."
Factual, verifiable
"The new policy requires students to arrive by 8 AM."
Neutral, informative
"Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius."
Specific, measurable
"The mayor announced plans for a new hospital."
Reports facts without judgement
Subjective — opinion writing ✗
"The amazing concert was incredible!"
Personal opinion
"The terrible policy will ruin everything."
Biased, judgemental
"It was unbearably hot today."
Subjective experience
"The mayor wisely decided to build a hospital."
Opinion inserted
Words to avoid — they show bias
- Amazing, terrible, wonderful, awful, horrible
- Obviously, clearly, naturally, unfortunately
- Should, must, need to (unless quoting someone)
- Wisely, foolishly, cleverly — judgement words
Complete News Report Example
Zero-waste initiative — 298 words ✓
Students Launch Zero-Waste Initiative at Riverside High
By James Mitchell | Bangkok, 15 March 2025
Riverside High School officially launched a comprehensive zero-waste programme on Monday, with the goal of reducing campus waste by 50 percent before the end of the next academic year.
The student-led initiative, which has been in development for six months, introduces colour-coded recycling stations across campus, a composting system for the cafeteria, and a ban on single-use plastics in school shops.
"We are thrilled to see students taking initiative on environmental issues," said Principal Dr Maria Santos. "This programme demonstrates how young people can drive meaningful change in their communities."
The project was spearheaded by the school's Environmental Club, which conducted a waste audit last September revealing that the school produces approximately 200 kilograms of waste daily, with nearly 60 percent being recyclable materials previously sent to landfills.
Grade 11 student and club president Sofia Chen explained the programme's key features. "We have installed 15 recycling stations with clear signage, partnered with a local composting facility, and organised weekly workshops to educate students about waste reduction," she stated.
The initiative has received support from the Parent-Teacher Association, which donated 50,000 baht to purchase recycling bins and educational materials. Local businesses have also contributed reusable water bottles for all students.
Similar programmes at other international schools in Bangkok have achieved waste reduction rates of 40–65 percent within one year, according to the Thailand Environmental Education Network.
The school plans to monitor waste levels monthly and publish progress reports each term. If successful, the model may be adopted by other schools in the district.
Analysing the Example
Strong structure
- Headline: clear, active verb, informative
- Lead: answers WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE immediately
- Inverted pyramid: most important info first
- Short paragraphs: easy to read and scan
Objective language
- No personal opinions or bias
- Facts supported by specific data (200kg, 60%, 50,000 baht)
- Third-person perspective throughout
- Neutral tone maintained
Proper sourcing
- Two direct quotes from credible sources
- Proper attribution with titles (Principal, club president)
- Reference to external data (Thailand Environmental Education Network)
Complete coverage
- Answers all 5 Ws and H
- Provides context and background
- Includes future implications
- Appropriate length (under 650 words)
Revision Task 1: Identify the Problems
Find the news writing errors
Students Have Fun Day
Yesterday was such an amazing day! We had the best sports day ever at our school. I think everyone loved it because it was so well organised. The weather was perfect and beautiful.
There were obviously many games and activities. Students clearly enjoyed themselves. The teachers must have worked really hard to make it happen.
One student said it was "pretty good" and that they "had fun I guess." The principal thinks the school should do this more often.
List at least 10 problems with this news report:
- Headline: Vague — "Fun Day" doesn't specify the event
- Missing byline: No author or date listed
- Lead paragraph fails: Doesn't answer WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE specifically
- First person used: "We had" — should be third person
- Subjective language: "amazing," "best," "perfect," "beautiful"
- Opinion words: "I think" — no personal opinions in news
- Biased adverbs: "obviously," "clearly" show judgement
- Vague information: "many games" — need specific numbers and details
- Weak quotes: "pretty good" and "I guess" are not newsworthy
- Missing specifics: Which school? What date? How many students? What specific activities?
- No inverted pyramid: Most important information not first
- Poor attribution: "One student" and "the principal" need names and titles
Revision Task 2: Write Better Headlines
Transform weak headlines into strong ones
1. "Something Happened at the School Yesterday"
2. "The Most Amazing Concert You've Ever Seen Was Held"
3. "I Think the New Library Is Really Great"
1. "School Opens New Science Laboratory" or "Riverside High Hosts Environmental Conference"
2. "Annual Music Festival Draws 2,000 Students" or "Local Band Performs at School Concert"
3. "New Library Opens to Students Next Week" or "School Library Expands with 10,000 New Books"
Revision Task 3: Write Your Lead
Craft a strong lead paragraph (30–40 words)
Scenario: Your school held a charity fundraiser last Saturday. Students organised activities including a bake sale, car wash, and talent show. They raised 45,000 baht for a local children's hospital. About 300 students participated. The event ran from 9 AM to 4 PM at the school grounds.
"Students at Riverside High School raised 45,000 baht for Bangkok Children's Hospital through a charity fundraiser held on Saturday, with more than 300 participants joining activities throughout the day." (32 words)
Alternative: "A student-organised charity event at Riverside High School on Saturday raised 45,000 baht for a local children's hospital, attracting approximately 300 participants to various fundraising activities."
Revision Task 4: Write Your News Report
Full practice — 450–550 words
Choose one scenario:
- Option A — Your school introduces a policy requiring all students to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate. Starts next semester. Include reactions from students, teachers, and administration.
- Option B — A local technology company donates 100 new computers to your school library (worth $50,000). Write about the donation ceremony, who was involved, and how the computers will be used.
- Option C — Your school's robotics team wins first place in a national competition, defeating 30 other schools. They will represent the country at an international event.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Including personal opinions
"I think this policy is unfair…" or "Obviously, this is a bad idea…" — news reports present facts, not opinions.
Using first or second person
"We attended the event…" or "You should know that…" — always use third person (he, she, they).
Vague headlines
"Event Happens" or "School News" — be specific: "School Opens New Library" or "Team Wins National Championship".
Burying the lead
Starting with background instead of the main news. Put the most important information first.
Missing attribution
"Someone said…" or quotes without sources. Always attribute to a named, credible source with their title.
Subjective language
"The wonderful event…" or "Unfortunately…" — use neutral, factual descriptions throughout.
Word Count & Time Management
News reports should be 400–650 words. Aim for 500–600 words for thorough coverage without unnecessary padding.
Word allocation
- Headline: 5–10 words (not counted)
- Byline: 5–10 words (not counted)
- Lead paragraph: 30–40 words
- Body paragraphs: 60–80 words each (5–6 paragraphs)
- Quotes: 20–30 words per quote (2–3 quotes)
Time management for Paper 1
Planning (8 min): Identify the 5 Ws and H, decide on headline, plan quote sources, outline paragraph structure
Writing (30 min): Write headline and byline, craft strong lead, develop body paragraphs (most to least important), integrate 2–3 quotes naturally
Proofreading (7 min): Check objectivity · verify all 5 Ws + H covered · confirm third-person perspective · check inverted pyramid structure
Total: 45 minutes
Quick Reference Checklist
Format check
- Compelling headline (5–10 words, present tense, active)
- Byline with author name and date/location
- Lead paragraph answers WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
- Inverted pyramid structure (important → less important)
- Short paragraphs (2–4 sentences each)
- Word count: 400–650 words
Content check
- All 5 Ws and H answered clearly
- 2–3 relevant quotes with proper attribution
- Specific facts, numbers, and details included
- Background information and context provided
- Future implications or next steps mentioned
Language & style check
- Objective tone throughout — no opinions
- Third-person perspective only
- No subjective adjectives (amazing, terrible, etc.)
- Neutral attribution verbs (said, stated, explained)
- No first person (I, we) or second person (you)
Assessment Criteria
What examiners look for:
Text type conventions
- Appropriate headline that captures the story
- Clear byline with author and date
- Inverted pyramid structure evident
- Short, focused paragraphs
- Proper integration of quotes
Register & tone
- Consistently objective and neutral
- Formal but accessible language
- Third-person perspective maintained
- No personal bias or opinions
Content & purpose
- All 5 Ws and H clearly answered
- Informative and newsworthy content
- Relevant details and context provided
- Credible sources quoted appropriately
Organisation
- Strong lead paragraph that hooks readers
- Logical flow from most to least important
- Coherent paragraph transitions
- Complete and well-developed story
You're Ready to Write News Reports
Mastering news reports for IB English B means:
- Always start with the most important information
- Keep paragraphs short and focused
- Remove ALL personal opinions and subjective language
- Include specific details: numbers, dates, names
- Use direct quotes to add credibility and interest
- Read news articles regularly to internalise the style
Good luck with your IB English B exam.