Reading: Newspaper Features – Basic 6 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is a Newspaper?

A newspaper is a publication that contains news, information, and advertisements. It is printed daily or weekly to inform people about current events.

Features of a Newspaper:

1. Headlines

• Large, bold text at the top of stories
• Tells the main idea in few words
• Catches reader’s attention
• Example: “STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL SCIENCE COMPETITION”

2. Captions

• Short descriptions under pictures
• Explain what the picture shows
• Usually 1-2 sentences long
• Example: “Primary 6 students celebrate after winning first prize.”

3. Graphics and Pictures

• Photos, charts, and diagrams
• Make stories more interesting
• Help explain information
• Show what happened

4. Keywords

• Important words that tell the main topic
• Help readers understand quickly
• Often repeated in the story
• Example: In a sports story – “football,” “victory,” “championship”

5. Columns

• Text arranged in narrow sections
• Make reading easier
• Usually 3-4 columns per page

6. Byline

• Shows who wrote the story
• Usually under the headline
• Example: “By Sarah Adebayo, Education Reporter”

Exercise A – Identify Newspaper Features

Look at this sample newspaper story and identify the features:

LAGOS SCHOOL WINS INTER-STATE DEBATE COMPETITION By John Okafor, Education Correspondent

Government Primary School, Ikeja emerged victorious in the annual West African Schools Debate Championship held in Accra, Ghana last weekend.

The six-member team defeated 20 other schools from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone in the final round.

[Picture shows students holding trophy] Caption: The winning debate team displays their trophy at the airport.

Identify:

1. Headline: _________________________________
2. Byline: _________________________________
3. Main keywords: _________________________________
4. Caption: _________________________________

Exercise B – Create Your Own Headlines

Write headlines for these news stories:

1. A new library opened in your school Headline: _________________________________
2. Students planted 500 trees in the community
   Headline: _________________________________
3. The school football team won the state championship Headline: _________________________________

Exercise C – Match Features with Purposes

Draw lines to match each feature with its purpose: