MODULE 12: CAPTIONS

Caption Writing

He said, “I …

She said, “ ….

1 2 3 Captions

CAPTIONS SHOULD DO MORE THAN STATE THE OBVIOUS.

Don’t use Cedar Valley student, Lauren Nealon, loves dance and wants to be in a professional dance team someday.

We know that she attends Cedar Valley – avoid using our school name.

THE FIRST SENTENCE OF A CAPTION SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN PRESENT TENSE BECAUSE THE PHOTO IS FROZEN IN TIME. THE REST SHOULD BE WRITTEN IN PAST TENSE.

CAPTIONS ANSWER READERS’ QUESTIONS ABOUT A PHOTO.

CAPTION WRITING REQUIRES REPORTING = NOTE TAKING!

1 2 3 Captions

STEP ONE – Answer the Lead ?s

• who:

• what:

• when:

• where:

• why:

• how:

1 2 3 CaptionsTo write a SUMMARY CAPTION, write a sentence in present tense explaining the photo.

STEP TWO

Summary Caption:

poor – These girls are really showing their spirit after a volleyball win.

Better: ___ and ___ play ____ and ____, respectively on the volleyball team. They celebrate a win over ____ by ____ points.

1 2 3 CaptionsFor an EXPANDED CAPTION write additional sentences providing relevant information and a quote.

STEP THREE Expanded Caption:

Besides mentioning their names and why they are so excited, the readers want to know what game, what positions they play, what the score was, and so on.

Write an expanded caption on your paper.

You might add to what you wrote as the summary caption and include something like:“______ is what it’s all about,” _____ says. After the games it’s a tradition to ___________ and ______.

1 2 3 CaptionsBrainstorm a list of attention-getting impact words; select the best option for the caption LEAD-IN.

STEP FOURList words that describe these gals and that will get the attention of the reader.The first thing that comes to mind for me is:• ecstaticwrite four that describe this photo on your paper

WRITING A CAPTION IS LIKE WRITING A POEM; EACH WORD COUNTS.

Choose one of these photos and write:

1. The lead sentence with the 5 w’s and the h

2. A summary caption

3. An expanded caption

If you do not know anything about the photo you may have to do some reporting and ask the person who took the photo (but, discuss softly).