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      ‘The Speckled Band’ case: writing a newspaper article body

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can include relevant and realistic personal accounts in my writing.

      Key learning points

      1. The main body of an article should include details of the event
      2. Interview quotes can add gravitas to your article
      3. The interview quotes can be from various parties
      4. The tone of your quote can vary depending on who the provided the quote

      Keywords

      • Witness - A witness is someone who seems an event, typically a crime take place.

      • Gravitas - Gravitas means seriousness and solemnity.

      • Tone - Tone is the feeling that a piece of writing gives.

      • Concise - Concise means giving a lot of information in a brief and clear manner.

      Common misconception

      It does not matter who you interview for your article.

      You should choose your interviewee carefully depending on the effect you want to have.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils could role play an interview with the different people involved in Julia Stoner's life.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the most common purpose of a newspaper article?

      To analyse a piece of literature.
      Correct answer: To inform readers of a recent event.
      To write the backstory of a celebrity.

      Q2.
      Thinking about newspaper articles, which section's primary purpose is to hook the reader?

      The opening.
      The main body.
      Correct answer: The headline.
      The tail.

      Q3.
      What must a newspaper article opening include?

      Background information.
      A detailed account of the story.
      Correct answer: The who, what, where, when, why of the story.

      Q4.
      What will be included in the main body of a newspaper article?

      Correct answer: An interview quote.
      Background information.
      A pun.

      Q5.
      Thinking about 'The Speckled Band', who would provide the most insightful interview quote regarding the death of Julia Stoner?

      Dr. Watson
      Correct answer: Helen Stoner
      Julia's fiance

      Q6.
      Starting with the first, order the sections of a newspaper article article in the order that they would appear.

      1 - Heading.
      2 - Subheading.
      3 - Opening.
      4 - Main body.
      5 - Tail.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What section comes after the opening of a newspaper article?

      The heading.
      The subheading.
      The tail.
      Correct answer: The main body.

      Q2.
      What would not be included in the main body of an article?

      Witness statements.
      Evidence around the event.
      Correct answer: Background information.

      Q3.
      In relation to 'The Speckled Band', if Helen Stoner provided an interview quote regarding her sister's death, what would the tone be?

      Curious.
      Correct answer: Distraught.
      Calm.

      Q4.
      What is a concise quote?

      A quote that is long and detailed.
      Correct answer: A quote that is clear and brief.
      A quote with emotion in it.

      Q5.
      Why should you include an interview quote in a newspaper article?

      Correct answer: It makes the article more serious.
      It makes the article fun.
      It introduces the topic of the article.

      Q6.
      Which tone is implied in the following quote: ''life has been hell without my dear sister''.

      Correct answer: An agonising tone.
      A reassuring tone.
      A confused tone.

      To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: ‘The Speckled Band’ case: writing a newspaper article body, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...