FS - What is Your Angle Lesson

The angle the writer chooses for a story can be different depending on the topic. For example, a story following the release of a new game system could have several angles. One reporter may write about how the new game system is better than another one (think Nintendo vs XBOX). Another reporter may write about how users of the game don't like the lack of touch-free game opportunities. While you may find a different article written about how the integration of an HDMI port allows you to play Madden Football while watching the Super Bowl.

The angle you choose to write about may also depend on where the story happened. For example, writing a story about the renaming of a street in Macon may only be of interest to those in that community.
You may choose the angle for your story depending on what has already been reported and what you have to say new about the subject. For example, the mayor of Atlanta is riding the new street cars in Atlanta. Here is the opportunity for you to write about your own experience with them and your years as a cable car driver in San Francisco.

The angle you take may be based on the strength of your own argument. For example, perhaps you have rather strong opinions about the growth of your current community as a new outdoor mall is being built. You are against the idea and the amount of traffic problems this will cause since you have already experienced this time of sudden expansion in the town you just moved from.
Think about this: if you were to ask several people to write about the contents of their bedroom, each person would likely approach the same subject from a different angle. One person may say, "My room is a total disaster with stuff all over the floor. I just can't throw anything away in case I need it." Another person may say, "My room is a reflection of everything that matters to me--a canvas on which to paint the best version of myself."

When choosing an angle for your story, ask yourself the following questions:

1. 1. What is the main idea that I want to get across?
   2. Who do I want to read my story?
   3. Is my purpose clear for this story?
   4. Is the language I use appropriate to the writing context?
   5. Is the angle I have selected engaging?

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