Writing Guide

Topic selection:

Since topics are only restricted to the larger genre of science, be sure to pick something that interests you and would be enjoyable to research. Start by figuring out a subgenre that compels you (environmental, medicine, technology, etc.), before narrowing down to a specific and niche topic. Keep in mind that the word limit is around 800 words, so this should be both a topic that has enough nuance to discuss and also one that doesn’t require 3 months of background research. It can be local (Environment: U.S. Eyes Threats To Monarch Butterflies, Survival Tied To California), or not (Technology: Forget Cowbells. Cows Wear High-Tech Collars Now). It can be serious, ridiculous, focused on one person, focused on an organization, describing a discovery, and much, much more. If you decide on the subgenre but struggle to find a specific topic, feel free to reach out to your editors or Editors in Chief for assistance. Your topic would also have a certain novelty if you picked something that isn’t properly covered in mainstream news outlets, potentially highlighting a facet that isn’t well-known.

Research:

This is not an essay or a history paper, so you do not need to dig through massive archives to back up your point. That being said, it is important to support your journalistic piece in a journalistic way. Other news articles, scientific studies, interviews, books, and statistics are all great places to start. 

Interviews:

Interviews are especially useful if you want to offer a unique perspective, and are really easy to do if your topic is local. Try to email people, but don’t worry if they don't respond. Direct interviews, whether online or in-person, are the most reliable and authentic way of obtaining information.

Never take quotes out of context in a way that might alter their meaning. Do not refrain from calling to double-check quotes. Reporting the information from your source accurately is of utmost importance.

1. Conducting an interview:

   1. Always clarify name, occupation, and all correct spellings.

   2. Set up with a recording device and direct note-taking

   3. Ask from a prepared list of open-ended questions. You are not limited to those on the list, especially if the interviewee steers the conversation onto a slightly different path. Ask follow-up questions. Want to know more.

   4. Respectfully give your thanks at the end.

2. Alternate options

   1. You can always look for good quotes in other articles, but do be sure to cite that piece. 

Article structure:

1. Generalized recommendations:

Ledes incorporate the following elements, ordered by importance.

1. 1. 1. What happened?

      2. Why? What is the significance of the event?

      3. When did this occur? Note that to keep articles timely, try and find a relevant news peg or a recent event that connects the topic. 

      4. Who did it? Who was involved?

      5. Where did the event(s) occur?

1. 1. Consider a narrative lead. Use storytelling, zoom in on dramatic or decisive moments, and set a scene for the article in a compelling manner.

      1. Example: Drawn by a Vast Rocky Landscape on Ireland’s West Coast 

1. 3. Assert your point early. Remain assertive throughout.

1. 4. In a structure resembling an inverted pyramid, prioritize the information that comes first as the most important.

      1. Some questions to consider: What piece of information has the greatest impact on my audience? Something unexpected or revealing, or particularly polarizing?

      2. Do not write a research paper or English essay style with an alternating evidence and supporting analysis style. Relevant information is grouped together. The order of information is fluid and cohesive. 

1. 5. Do not conclude the article by summarizing its content like you would an essay. Instead, one method is to use an ending quote. The quote could reflect key ideas from the article or foreshadow a relevant, future event.

1. 6. Headlines/Titles capture the attention of your audience. Focus on using strong, evocative verbs. Direct and clear language can be refreshing.

2. One of the best ways to learn about article structure is to analyze resources from professional journalists. The New York Times, The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, CNN, NBC, ABC, and BBC are extremely helpful in understanding journalism.

Images and Photography

1. Writers are encouraged to submit pieces as cover photos for their articles. This does not require a good camera or a lot of skill. An iPhone camera will do. Remember that The Youth Sentinel focuses more on conveying a message, so even if your camera quality isn’t the best, try to capture an image that tells a story. Oftentimes, the key to accomplishing this is aiming for simplicity and truth rather than props and filters.

2. Here are some examples: TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2024 

As journalists and reporters, we take full responsibility for what we write. For that reason, leave your contact information accessible for people who wish to reach out to you. 

Once you have concluded, send the article off to your editor and go back in with revisions.

Example Article:

Autism has always existed. We haven’t always called it autism.

By Roy Richard Grinker, Publication: New York Times, Date of publication: September 24, 2025