:: Category 08: Headline/Copy Editing ::
Nature of the contest
You will be given a multiple-choice stylebook test on copy editing rules, and copy to edit. You will be given instructions to write headlines for various types of journalistic articles. You may use your own dictionary, thesaurus and/or AP Stylebook during the contest. The total time for the contest, including the distribution of materials and instructions, is two hours.
What the judges will look for
Knowledge of Associated Press style rules; correct spelling, grammar and punctuation; headlines that avoid “to be” words, articles; headlines which use appropriate tense and contain active voice; headlines that reflect content of the story; headlines in down style; Ability to eliminate extraneous or libelous material; to rewrite for brevity, clarity, and active voice.
Materials provided by WJEA
Assignment sheet, rules sheet; copy for editing, stories for headline writing, style test, scratch paper, paper clips
Materials which contestant must provide
Pencil, eraser, dictionary, thesaurus, AP Stylebook, notebook paper
Do…
- write your contestant number on each page of your entry;
- write legibly;
- clearly indicate paragraph indentations;
- write headlines in down style— that is, capitalize only the first word of the headline and the first letter of any proper nouns;
- use AP journalistic style for copy editing, grammar, capitalization, etc.;
- prepare entries according to specifications on fact sheet and instructions given by the moderator;
- ask the moderator any questions.
- turn off cell phones and pagers.
Do not…
- Do not write your name or your school’s name on your entry.
- Do not leave the room until you have turned in your entry.
- Do not write a title instead of a headline;
- Do not change the meaning of a story;
- Do not bring samples into the contest room.
- Do not bring food or drink into the contest room.
- Do not talk to other contestants.
- Do not bring a typewriter or computer into the contest room (separate electronic spell checkers and dictionaries are allowed).
