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THE OUTSIDERS, S E Hinton
THE TULSA TIMES
In Chapter 7 (page 79) we learn that a local newspaper has published a full page of stories about the killing in the park, the fire in the old church etc. You are going to write those stories now! Work in a group. Everyone must contribute to the writing of the articles, but the following duties should be given to individuals in the group:
Editor
To coordinate the work – i.e. guide discussions; make sure everyone knows what he/she should be doing; keep people "on track"; represent the group in discussions with the teacher.
Sub-editor
To write (or choose) headlines for the stories; to edit stories (e.g. shorten them, change words/sentences, make paragraphs) but only with the agreement of others in your group.
Illustrator
To do art work (newspaper headline, illustrations, photos, layout) or perhaps desk top publishing.
Reporter
To collect information about events and people (in practice, this means checking what the novel tells us about the killing, the fire, the boys’ backgrounds etc.).
You need to produce stories or features on the following:
The fight and killing in the park (you may use the articles you wrote earlier, but these need to be changed since you have more information now – e.g. quotes from Cherry Valance and Randy Adderson).
The fire in the old church at Windrixville and the rescue of the children (including a quote from a parent).
A special feature about the Curtis boys: the death of their parents; Darry and his 2 jobs; Sodapop the dropout; Ponyboy the star student; the possibility that the younger boys will be sent to a children’s home.
Perhaps also a feature on the two gangs: Greasers and Socs (who are they?).
Make sure you know something about the organisation of a newspaper report before you begin writing!