1. Sentence Structure: Keep It Clear and Varied

• Avoid long, winding sentences. If a sentence has more than two commas, check if it can be broken into two.

• Mix it up. Combine short, punchy sentences with longer, descriptive ones for rhythm and flow.

• Start strong. Don’t always begin with “There is” or “It is.” Instead of “There is a team hosting a fundraiser,” try “The student council is hosting a fundraiser.”

• Use active voice. “Students planned the event” is clearer and more engaging than “The event was planned by students.”

2. Avoiding Repetition

• Read out loud. Repeated words and ideas jump out when you hear them.

• Look for synonyms. Instead of saying “fun” three times, try “exciting,” “lively,” or “memorable.”

• Cut filler phrases. Words like just, really, very, and in order to often add little meaning.

• Check for repeated ideas. If two sentences say the same thing in different ways, keep the stronger one.

3. Making Leads Stronger

• Hook the reader immediately. Start with something surprising, emotional, or vivid — a quote, an image, or a fact.

  Example: Instead of “Students met in the gym for the annual rally,” try “Cheers echoed through the gym as students waved banners at the annual rally.”

• Answer the key questions early: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and sometimes How.

• Avoid “school report” intros. Don’t start with “On Friday, November 1…” unless the date is crucial. Begin with action or atmosphere first.

• Lead with what’s new or different. The most interesting part should come first — details can follow.

4. Checking Quote Accuracy

• Always double-check names and titles. One misspelled name can damage credibility.

• Verify every quote word-for-word. If unsure, go back to your notes or recording. Never guess or paraphrase inside quotation marks.

• Keep quotes natural. Don’t “clean up” grammar so much that you change meaning or tone.

• Provide context. Introduce quotes with who said it and why it matters:

  “We wanted everyone to feel included,” said sophomore Taylor Reed, who helped organize the event.

Edit your Dec article to make sure it aligns with what we learned in class.