COMPOSITION

Below is a list of the writing styles found in USA TODAY that are relevant to the composition
classroom. The quality and diversity of USA TODAY’s articles and features can guide students as
they practice writing in different genres. In addition, the issues covered in the newspaper jumpstart
student thinking for their own essay topics.

Wr i t i n g St y l e s
News Section

Monday-Friday
• Persuasive writing: Today’s Debate — Persuasive writing at its best: USA TODAY’s editorial board
debates a guest writer who holds an opposing view.
• Persuasive writing: The Forum — Well-known contributing writers weigh in on the issues of the
day in thoughtful essays.
• Informative writing: News Cover — An article about a pressing issue that includes the
perspectives of the people the news is affecting.
• Informative writing: The lead story and bottom strip on the front cover of News serve as
excellent examples of informative writing and topics.

Life Section

Monday-Friday
• Informative writing: Life Cover — Essays on arts and entertainment topics.
Tuesday
• Persuasive writing: Listen Up — Short, insightful music reviews.
Wednesday
• Creative writing: Writer Craig Wilson’s musings on the curiosities of everyday life.
Thursday
• Persuasive writing: Book Buzz — Reviews, author interviews and the Best Selling Books list.
Friday
• Persuasive writing: Music and movie reviews — Perceptive assessments of recent releases in film
and music.

A rt i c l e s o f I n t e r e s t to t h e C o m p o s i t i o n C l a s s r o o m
Below is a list of recent headlines from USA TODAY that can generate thoughtful discussion and
essay topics in college composition classes.

• “Justices: City can refuse to take marker from small religious sect,” February 26, 2009, 3A
• “Editorial: A bow to reality, not China,” February 27, 2009, 10A
• “The Forum: War act would ensure that president, Congress consult,” March 3, 2009, 11A
• “The Final Word: Try yoga while we’re all waiting to exhale,” March 11, 2009, 1D
• “The Forum: Books from, and for, the people,” March 12, 2009, 9A
• “Book review: Details obscure full Cheever,” March 12, 2009, 4D
• “Round-up: Women’s fiction,” March 12, 2009, 4D
• “Consumers could foil plans for conservation,” March 23, 2009, 5A
• “The Forum: Do women have a prayer?” March 23, 2009, 11A
• “Today’s Debate: Immigrant detention system ensnares American citizens,” March 25, 2009, 10A

www.usatodaycollege.com