Abstract
In a pilot descriptive study, 14 basic newswriting students and five experienced reporters wrote the same news story from a fact sheet. Story analysis showed facts included in the first five paragraphs by both groups were similar, although raters easily identified professionals' stories. Follow-up interviews revealed major differences in student and professional strategies. Professionals recognized the need for more information while students never questioned the information provided. Professionals looked for context and meaning while students concentrated on organizational strategies.
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