Strong ending

Definition

A strong ending is a compelling conclusion to a news story that leaves a lasting impression on the audience, effectively summarizing the key points while emphasizing their significance. It often includes a call to action, a poignant quote, or a thought-provoking insight that resonates with readers, making them reflect on the story's implications. A strong ending ties together the narrative and provides closure, ensuring that the story remains memorable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A strong ending reinforces the main message of the story, ensuring readers leave with a clear understanding of its significance.
2. It can utilize emotional appeals to connect with readers on a personal level, enhancing the impact of the story.
3. Effective endings often include direct quotes from key individuals, adding authenticity and authority to the concluding thoughts.
4. In-depth stories benefit from a strong ending by encouraging further discussion and engagement among audiences.
5. Crafting a strong ending requires careful consideration of the overall tone and message of the story to ensure alignment.

Review Questions

• How does a strong ending enhance the overall impact of an in-depth news story?
  • A strong ending enhances an in-depth news story by providing closure and reinforcing the main themes presented throughout the piece. It helps to encapsulate the essential points and can evoke emotions or thoughts that resonate with readers long after they finish reading. By leaving a powerful impression, it encourages further reflection and discussion about the issues covered in the story.
• In what ways can emotional appeals be effectively utilized in crafting a strong ending for a news story?
  • Emotional appeals in a strong ending can be utilized by incorporating powerful anecdotes, poignant quotes, or relatable scenarios that connect deeply with readers. By tapping into emotions such as hope, sorrow, or urgency, journalists can create a more impactful conclusion that stays with the audience. This strategy not only engages readers but also encourages them to consider their own feelings and perspectives on the issues presented in the story.
• Evaluate how different techniques for writing strong endings can influence reader engagement and retention of key information in news stories.
  • Different techniques for writing strong endings can significantly influence reader engagement and retention by varying the emotional tone and delivery method. For instance, using vivid imagery or provocative questions may leave readers pondering long after they've finished reading, thereby increasing retention. Alternatively, incorporating statistics or factual conclusions can appeal to logical reasoning, ensuring that key information is highlighted and remembered. Ultimately, how an ending is crafted shapes not only how well readers understand the message but also how likely they are to discuss or share the story.

Related terms

narrative arc: The structure of a story that includes the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that grabs attention and gives the essential details.

call to action: A statement designed to encourage readers to take a specific action or engage further with the story.