AP Stat: What to Include When Writing a Statistics-Based Newspaper Article

The following are the thoughts generated during class on what to include when writing a statistics-based newspaper article.

Period 4

• Beginning - address the what and who
• State percentages within article in context
• Break down data, explain how data is described in graphs
• Explain what features are shown in graphs and tables
• End with a conclusion of what point you are making
• Include absolute numbers to give another perspective of size

Period 5

• Use numbers and percentages that can be compared
• Provide historical reference when possible
• Come to a direct conclusion
• Use graphs and charts to help compare
• Title should be relevant to topic
• Provide analysis as to "why"
• Explain graphs
• Write without bias or opinion

Period 6

• Explain how data was obtained
• Provide graphical representation (table or graph)
• Describe what happens with data without bias
• Make title tie explicitly to article conclusion
• Tell when data collected
• Explain data thoroughly (tell what numbers apply to what)
• Say why data matters
• Provide historical context (if available)
• Compare similar sized samples
• Organize presentation in order of time (don't jump around)