Extra Credit Assignment 3

Due Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 (Worth 6 points if fully completed, 2 points for half)

Using correct grammar, style and punctuation, answer the following:

1. Next time you have a conversation over breakfast, lunch or dinner, either jot down or make mental notes of the topics discussed. (If you don't see or talk to anyone during meals, just use any conversation.)

a. List the topics.

b. Answer this: How could what you discussed be expanded or turned into an explanatory story for campus or Champaign-Urbana? (You might have to think "outside the box.") Who would you talk to?

c. And this: Describe what your lede could be. (Avoid using a summary lede.)

d. Finally this: What would be your nutgraf?


2. Read a national news story or watch or listen to a national television or radio newscast.

a. Briefly describe the story and post the link.

b. Again, how could this story be localized and turned into an explanatory story? Who would you talk to?

c. Describe a possible lede that's not the same type of lede you described above or a summary lede.

d. What would be your nutgraf?

Public Student blogs

Here's the list of those who've gone "public" so far:

Monshay
http://monshay-jour200.blogspot.com/

Andrew Gibson
http://andrewgibsonjournalism.blogspot.com/

Ameya
http://pictoart.blogspot.com/

Extra Credit Assignment 2

Due Friday, Sept. 17. Worth 6 points with bonus!

Part 1

List 3 interviewing how-tos that were mentioned in lecture today. Give a concrete example of how you would do each in a real-life situation.

Part 2

Correct these sentences. There may be more than one thing wrong in each sentence. (Tip: Can we say, "Punctuation Guide?")

Grammatically wrong

1. Defeated in the house, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.


Stylistically wrong

2. The 19-year-old boy got a ticket for jay-walking at 9 PM last night.


See if you can catch what's wrong.

3. Meredith ran away from home, she was so angry that night.


This should be easy (Hint: there are three things wrong):

4. "I wonder if this is how you punctuate this quote?" Brittney bellowed.


OK, now that's enough torture. Answer this question for a bonus point:

5. Why is it important for journalists to get grammar and punctuation and spelling right?