100 Ways to Use the Newspaper
-Writing-

71. Read several letters to the editor and create a list of characteristics of a good letter to the editor.

72. Cut out names, places, dates, motives, weapons, situations and other items from the newspaper. Put each grouping in a paper bag or other container. Choose one each and use them as a basis for creating a short writing assignment.

73. In small groups, write two different television commercials based on a product advertised in the newspaper.

74. Make a list of at least 15 descriptive words you find in the advertisements. After compiling your list, write one or two paragraphs describing something. Use each of the words you selected from the ads.

75. Using the advertisements in the newspaper, rewrite an ad using the opposite words and ideas from those used in the ad. Note the reversed and often comical effect of this switch.

76. Find an ad in the classified section, which has many numbers. Rewrite the ad and describe the object for sale without using any numbers.

77. Find articles that deal with planting various plants. Study the article and organize the planting process into steps. Write a clear set of directions for planting using these steps.

78. Write a friendly letter to your favorite comic strip character.

79. In the car ads section of the newspaper, find a car that you want and write a description of it. Be very specific.

80. Find an article about a problem and write down your analysis of what caused the problem and what its effect is.