Timely newspaper articles are highly motivational for students of all ages. Students enjoy the “adultness” of the newspaper as well as the variety of reading and visual material included in the newspaper. By using newspaper articles and photos in conjunction with specific strategies and rubrics at least once a week, teachers help their students comply with the academic standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and prepare for both standardized tests and real life situations.

In this activity, students will learn the function and purpose of a newspaper in a democratic society.

The four basic functions of a newspaper are:

1. To inform
2. To interpret the news
3. To provide a service to readers
4. To entertain

1. To inform: Newspapers provide facts that readers must have in order to be informed citizens and to make decisions. Ask students to find an example of a newspaper that informs readers and write its headline.
2. To interpret the news: Newspaper stories interpret or explain the meaning of news to us. These stories often have opinions of the writer. Ask students to find an example of a newspaper article that interprets the news and write its headline.
3. To provide a service to readers: Newspapers provide information that helps readers solve their business, home, recreation and daily living problems. Advertising assists in informing readers about products and services. Have students find an example of a story that provides a service to the reader and write its headline. Now ask them to find an advertisement that informs readers. What is the produce or service being offered?
4. To entertain: Some sections of the newspaper are designed to amuse or give enjoyment to readers. Have students find a puzzle or game in the newspaper and write its name.

Of the four basic functions of a newspaper, which do students think is the most important? Why?