Needles from Haystacks
Module 1, Activity 1.6 - Central Idea
Student Page
(teacher version of this lesson)

Introduction:

The old saying "It's like finding a needle in a haystack" most aptly describes how hard it can be to find a central idea or concept among all of the research and interviews you do for an article. This lesson is designed to help you view that material and find the the key idea that all of it has in common.

All those facts can be a confusing thing. How do you know which things are important and why?

Activities:

Task One - Review

Spend 5 minutes reading over the questions the groups were assigned about the research process to be sure you have the key points.

Task Two - Simulating preparing the story

1. Researching
Print off the statement sheet and cut out the sentences. Read over each sentence so you are familiar with the information.

2. Sorting
Put the statements into piles of related information.

3. Refocusing the research
Now you need to decide what direction you wish to go with the story. Will it be the tragedy of the needless death of a mother? Will the story be about why we must wear seat belts? Will it be part of the mayoral election?

Objectives:

You will be able to
- understand effective (news gathering and) editing techniques
- demonstrate fact-gathering, research, and writing skills necessary for in-depth reporting

Resources:

- the statement sentences handout and a pair of scissors.
- review the questions and answers about the research process.

Finding the Needle:

Finding a key point in a story can be difficult. Remember to think about who your audience is and what the purpose of the writing is. If you are trying to inform an audience of young adults, a piece on seatbelts would be most appropriate.

4. Synthesizing
Write down your key point, then remove all the cut out sentences that do not relate to it. Your key point should be a clear sentence that is very simple.

5. Organizing
Organize your cut out sentences into the order you would like to say them in when you present.

6. Reporting
Read your story to a partner.

How did I do?

You are trying to be sure that everything you write about relates to your main point. When you told the story orally, it should have been easy to fit it all together. If it was hard to fit your ideas together, if the order you said them in was confusing, or if some ideas did not relate to your main point, then you need to try the process again. Choose a new direction in step 3 and then re-try the exercise .