Writing Tasks Writing for a Newspaper

Writing Tasks – Writing for a newspaper: Choose one of the following tasks and write about 150-200 words:

1) You are a journalist for the New York Times and have heard about a series of strange burglaries in the suburbs of New York. The burglars always aim at teachers of a local school. Try to solve the case!

2) You are a sports reporter for a local newspaper. Write about a forthcoming sports event held next weekend.

3) Write a letter to the editor (Leserbrief) about an article you have recently read. Include your opinion about the discussed topic as well as possible solutions or suggestions.

4) The city you live in is planning to shut down a bus line that is only seldomly used. However, the line is the only public transport connection to the city center for the - mostly elderly - people that live in the suburbs. Write a report about how the affected people try to “keep their line alive”.

5) Write a report about a foreign country for the travel section of a newspaper. Be sure to include information on how to get there, where to stay (hotels, camp sites, etc.) and mention the most important tourist sights.

6) The city you live in is planning to shut down a bus line that is only seldomly used. However, the line is the only public transport connection to the city center for the - mostly elderly - people that live in the suburbs. Write an open letter to the city authorities demanding that they reconsider their decision.

7) A well – known music group is coming to your city. Write an article, promoting the event. Include “special treats” like tickets to win, backstage packages, etc.

8) The city you live in is planning to shut down a bus line that is only seldomly used. However, the line is the only public transport connection to the city center for the - mostly elderly - people that live in the suburbs. There have been protests amonst the population. As a member of the city council you must defend your decision in an official statement printed in the local newspaper.

9) The government is planning to build a power plant (Kraftwerk) in a local valley. Write about the pros and cons of the project.

10) Present a book of a bestseller author that has recently been published for the arts and entertainment section of the New York Times. Bear in mind that the New York Times is usually one of the first newspapers to present new books!