Intended as an introduction to the study of journalism in an English class, this booklet is divided into two sections, the first of which focuses on the purpose and importance of newspapers in a free thinking democratic society. In addition to considering the purpose of newspapers, the first section discusses responsibilities of journalists, a code of journalism standards, approaches to writing news, slanted reporting, objective reporting, elements of news stories, the "5 w's" and "how" in news stories, news leads, news story structure, feature stories, techniques of interviewing, a checklist for news stories, and a checklist for feature stories. The second section presents guidelines for community-focused student journalism projects. It is arranged into suggestions for selecting a topic, organizing a folder, using resources, conducting specific lessons, forming project groups, writing summary reports, doing layouts, discussing problems, and getting a story. The booklet concludes with a checklist for student reporters; a discussion of problems and pitfalls; ideas for extra credit, field trips and trip activities; and a bibliography. (HOD)