How to write using the AP Style: The basics

The basics of writing in AP Style.

1. News Quiz

2. AP Style: The Language of Journalism

3. What is AP Style? A standardized set of rules for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage Created by the Associated Press for consistency across newsrooms Goal: Ensure clarity, professionalism, and trust in journalism

4. Why AP Style Matters Consistency builds credibility Ensures stories are clear, concise, and readable Reduces confusion for editors and readers Used across most U.S. news organizations Organizational style guides may be different

5. AP Style and Trust Journalists rely on accuracy — style guides reinforce this A shared “language” keeps reporting professional, not personal Even small details affect perception of reliability

6. Why Updates Can Be Controversial Language evolves → AP Style updates to reflect usage People First Language Changes often spark debate among journalists and readers Examples: 'e-mail' → 'email', 'illegal immigrant' → 'person living in the country illegally', singular 'they’ AP VS The Trump Administration

7. Common AP Style Rules to Know Numbers: Spell out one through nine; use numerals for 10+ Dates: Abbreviate months with specific dates (Jan. 5) Titles: Capitalize before names; lowercase otherwise Oxford comma: Do not use, unless clarity demands it States: Spell out (Texas, not TX) unless in datelines with a city

8. Quick Reference: Tricky Cases Time: 4 p.m. (not 4:00 PM) Percentages: Always use % symbol (since 2019 update) Ages: Always use numerals (The child is 7.) Quotes: Commas and periods go inside quotation marks

9. Learning to Stay Updated The AP Stylebook is updated annually Available online and in print Many newsrooms have internal supplements Tip: Follow @APStylebook on social media for changes

10. AP Style Guide on Canvas

11. Discussion/Activity Central Texas residents still reeling from deadly flood CENTRAL TEXAS – Nearly two months after the Independence Day floods killed at least 138 people, residents across the region are still struggling to recover. Harry Sherwood, a 56-year-old retiree, said he lost almost everything when the Llano river overflowed its banks. “I’m getting by,” Sherwood said. “I hope everybody else out here is getting by, but I’m sure there are some people out here still hurting.” Officials estimate damages from the flood totaled over $150 million, though exact figures haven’t been confirmed yet. Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a temporary office in Austin, Texas, to help those applying for federal assistance. Gov. Greg Abbot toured the area last week, promising state resources to aid recovery. “Texans are resilient,” he said, “and we will continue to support these communities every step of the way.” Local nonprofit groups have also stepped in, including the Red Cross, which has opened shelters in San Antonio and Waco. Volunteers handed out water, blankets and first-aid kits to dozens of families.

12. Inverted Pyramid Writing Assignment Due Today AP Style Writing Assignment Due Next Thurs.