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You've probably noticed that reading Current Events is a lot different from reading a textbook. Besides having awesome pictures and cool graphics, CE is full of news stories. Writers and editors use news stories to convey information in a clear, precise way. Review the elements of a news story below. Then answer the questions that follow.

Headline: The headline is the main title of the story. A good headline attracts readers' attention and piques their interest. It also gives readers an idea of what the story is about.

Beck: The deck appears below the headline. It gives readers more information about the topic or main point of the story.

Subheads: Subheads are mini headlines that separate different sections of the story. Subheads break the story into shorter, more readable sections.

Lead (pronounced LEED): The lead is the first sentence or paragraph of the story. A good lead should grab readers' interest and make them want to read the rest of the story. It should also connect readers quickly to the story's main idea.

Nut graph: The nut graph sums up what the story is about. It usually follows the lead.

Graphic elements: Graphic elements, such as photographs, charts, and maps, help illustrate the news story and provide extra information. Sometimes graphic elements stand alone.

Caption: A caption is a one- or two-sentence explanation of a graphic element. A caption often appears beneath or next to a photograph, chart, or map.

1. Find an example of a headline. After reading the story, write a new headline for it.

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2. Find an example of a subhead. What does the subhead tell you about the section that follows it?

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3. Find an example of a graphic element. How does it help illustrate the story?

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4. Find an example of a lead. After reading the story, try writing a new lead.

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5. Find an example of a caption. What does it tell you about the graphic element it accompanies?

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Answers will vary.

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