Future editors (1) (1).pptx

• newEditor
• English
• Secondary Education

Future editors

GAPS

GAPS and why it is important

To be a good editor, you need to understand about GAPS:

• Genre:

• School magazine & School website
  

• Audience:

• Students, teachers, alumni, parents and the general public (sometimes referred to as stakeholders)
  

• Purpose:

• descriptive vs informative
  

• Style:

• tone and word choice
  
  

Genre: Magazine vs website

Magazine

• Long-form feature articles

• Almost narrative-like structure

• Descriptive, multiple perspectives

Website

• Primarily news, updates, announcements, and brief feature pieces.

• Informative, concise phrasing, and immediate relevance.

• Focuses on the key points, highlights, and essential information.

Audience: Magazine vs website

Magazine Expectations

• The tactile experience of holding a magazine, combined with visual elements, encourages readers to immerse themselves in stories.

• Our school magazine is annual. They offer a snapshot of events and stories from a specific period.

• As such, readers often look forward to narratives that offer an inside look into events or experiences.

Audience: Magazine vs website

Website Expectations

• Website visitors expect the latest news, updates, and announcements…

• Web readers tend to skim content, looking for key information quickly.

• As such, the length and the speed of editing is dramatically different.

Purpose & Style: Celebrate Success

Tone and Word Choice

• Emphasizing the good, celebrating achievements, and focusing on success stories can uplift readers.

• Inspire confidence in HYS and all stakeholders.

• Although personal narratives and student submissions might offer varied styles, a consistent formality should be present for both.

• For websites, brevity is essential but should offer a comprehensive recount of events.

Let’s Look at an example:

Of course, the School Choir members, with their extroverted enthusiasm and passion for meeting new friends, successfully connected with musicians from all over the globe. During breaks and mealtimes, our singers danced around and chatted with other talented performers in the venue. As an international competition, the World Choir Games attract musicians of different nationalities, and our girls met many wonderful people as well. Taking selfies everywhere and smiling all the while, there is no doubt that our choir members enjoyed the company of their new friends and learned a lot from them.

Magazine

But why?

Specific Anecdotes: The mention of activities during breaks, mealtimes, and taking selfies is the type of rich detail magazine readers expect. Web readers might find these specific anecdotes as unnecessary and distracting.

How it could be edited: Our School Choir enjoyed networking with international musicians at the World Choir Games

But what about style? Our choir members relished their time at the World Choir Games, networking with talented artists from around the globe.

Now it’s time for you to try:

In small groups, you will each be handed the first draft of an article...

Your task: Fix all the common errors made by the students:

This year, Heep Yunn launched its first ever Hunger Game event, where teachers from different department compete in a series of physical and mental challenges. The competition were held in the school hall, which was decorate with banners and cheering students. The english department won the final round thanks to their ability to communicate clearly. Students said the event was one of the most excitingest they had ever seen, and many wish it happen again next year.

Corrected Version

Model Answer

This year, Heep Yunn launched its first-ever Hunger Games event, where teachers from different departments competed in a series of physical and mental challenges. The competition was held in the school hall, which was decorated with banners by cheering students. Each team had two teachers representing their subject area, from PE to English. The English Department won the final round thanks to their ability to communicate clearly. Students said the event was one of the most exciting they had ever seen, and many hoped that it would happen again next year.

As a web article:

Following the typhoon’s downpour, the skies cleared just in time for our annual Inter-house Athletics Meet, held on 11ᵗʰ and 12ᵗʰ September at Wan Chai Sports Ground. Under bright sunshine and blue skies, students and teachers came together to celebrate athletic excellence and house spirit.

Across two days of competition, our athletes demonstrated resilience and unwavering determination in a range of track and field events, cheered on by classmates from the stands. Form One students lit up the crowd with vibrant costumes and props, bringing colour and energy to the festivities.

We were honoured to welcome back guest of honour Ms. Mak Tze Wing, a distinguished alumna and former Hong Kong Table Tennis Team member. Sharing her experience of balancing student life with elite sport, she encouraged students to value the critical thinking and perseverance gained through athletics while always striving towards our dreams.

As the Meet came to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all teachers, student officials, and staff whose dedication made the event possible. More than a showcase of talent, this occasion was a celebration of unity, effort, and the indomitable Heep Yunn spirit.