In this project you area asked to create a Japanese Shinbun (newspaper). Your newspaper should include:
- Hard news stories documenting major events occurring in Meiji Japan
- Letter to the Editor around the dangers or the opportunities available to citizens in this newly modernizing Japan
- Advice column providing advice from a citizen affected by the changes taking place in Japan at this time
- Travel journal noting the changes taking place in Japan and the new things to see (please include pictures from the historical archives)
- Culture file noting the changing nature of art, fashion, and entertainment happening at this time
- Political cartoons
Everyone must create at least two articles to be included in the newspaper (depending on length)
When creating your article and newspaper consider:
- who is your audience
- how can I use the techniques of effective writing naturally in my article including:
- an opening hook
- vivivd imagery
- show; don't tell
- powerful verbs
- descriptive language
- varied sentence openings and lengths
- supporting details
- transitions for flow
When writing your article begin by reviewing your notes on the major events and historical forces at work in this time period. Speak to Mr. Scott about some of these ideas. Then decide what you are going to write about.
- Begin by doing some research attempting to locate actual pictures from this time
- Consider a catchy title
- Begin writing your piece keeping the above elements of powerful writing in mind
- For a hard news story begin with the basics first then get into the why and the how
For each article include:
- at least one image
- a catchy title
- pull out quote
