Common Mistakes in UIL News Writing and How to Avoid Them

In UIL news writing, even small mistakes can cost you valuable points or, worse, disqualification. To help you stay on track and write compelling, competition-ready stories, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

1. Misusing Question Leads

While question leads can sometimes grab attention, they are often overused or misused. A question lead only works when it’s pertinent to the majority of readers. If the question is too niche or irrelevant, it risks alienating your audience. Stick to leads that provide clear, immediate information instead.

2. Using Second Person

One of the most serious mistakes you can make in UIL news writing is using second person (“you”). This makes your writing subjective, pulling readers directly into the narrative and making the piece feel informal. Remember, UIL news writing should always be objective and written in third person. Using second person can even lead to disqualification in competitions.

3. Missing the News Peg

The news peg is the most timely and important information in your story. Failing to identify and prioritize it means you’ll miss the opportunity to hook your readers from the start. Make sure the lead includes the most relevant and newsworthy information right away.

4. Stacking Quotes

Stacking quotes—placing multiple direct quotes back-to-back without transitions—can disrupt the flow of your story and confuse readers. Transitions are crucial to maintaining the flow and keeping readers engaged. Use the transition/quote formula: introduce a quote with a transition that provides context.

5. Not Using Student Quotes

Student newspapers are for students, so make sure you’re including student quotes in your stories—especially when covering topics that directly affect them. Student voices make the content more relatable and engaging for your audience.

6. Failing to Use the Transition/Quote Formula

UIL guidelines emphasize the importance of smooth transitions between quotes. Without proper transitions, your story can feel choppy and unorganized. Always use the transition/quote formula to connect ideas and drive the story forward.

7. Adding Unverified Facts

Avoid the temptation to add facts that aren’t provided in the source materials. Everything you include must be verified and accurate. Adding extra information can lead to inaccuracies that weaken your story.

8. Putting Attribution Before the Quote

The correct structure is quote first, attribution second. For example: “The event was a success,” John Smith said.Avoid putting the attribution at the beginning of the sentence, as it can make your writing feel awkward.

9. Using All Provided Information

Just because information is available doesn’t mean it needs to be included. Be selective—only use the details that are relevant and important to the story. This ensures your writing remains concise and focused.

10. Writing in Inverted-Pyramid Style

UIL news writing follows a straightforward, third-person, inverted-pyramid style. This means you should place the most important information at the top and then arrange details in descending order of importance. Master this structure before experimenting with other styles.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll produce stronger, more polished stories that adhere to UIL standards and resonate with your readers. Practice makes perfect, so keep refining your skills and stay mindful of these guidelines.

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