News Item Text Example: Protesters Breach House’s Front Gate
This post gives an example of a news item text. The text below is used for English learning purposes, especially to help students understand the structure of news item text.
In a news item text, we usually find three main parts: newsworthy event, background event, and source.
Source Note
This text is adapted and simplified for English learning purposes from a news report by The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Friday, March 30, 2012, 7:01 PM.
Example of News Item Text
Protesters Breach House’s Front Gate
Newsworthy Event
A group of protesters damaged tall fences in front of the House of Representatives compound on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta, on Friday. The protest was related to the government’s plan to raise subsidized fuel prices.
Background Event
Although the protesters managed to destroy the fences, they could not enter the building. Police officers formed a strong security line outside the compound to stop the crowd from moving further.
The demonstration took place while lawmakers were discussing the government’s proposal. The situation became tense because many protesters were disappointed with the plan to increase fuel prices.
Source
Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Cmr. Rikwanto said that the protesters had been given permission to hold the rally only until 5 p.m.
He also explained that the police did not want to take action that could provoke more violence. According to him, the negotiation team was working to calm the protesters and ask them to leave peacefully.
Why Is This Text a News Item Text?
This text is a news item text because it reports an important public event. It tells the main event, gives background information, and includes a source from a police spokesman.
The newsworthy event tells what happened. The background event gives more details. The source gives information or comments from someone related to the event.
Structure Breakdown
1. Newsworthy Event
Protesters damaged the fences in front of the House of Representatives compound.
2. Background Event
The protest happened because of the government’s plan to raise subsidized fuel prices.
3. Source
A police spokesman gave information about the rally permit and the police response.
Language Features in This Text
- Past tense: damaged, managed, formed, said, explained
- Action verbs: damaged, entered, stopped, discussed
- Saying verbs: said, explained
- Place information: Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta
- Time information: on Friday, until 5 p.m.
- Focus on event: the protest and the damaged fences
Practice Questions
Try to answer these questions first. Click each question to see the answer.
1. What is the main event in the text?
The main event is that protesters damaged the fences in front of the House of Representatives compound.
2. Where did the event happen?
The event happened on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta.
3. Why were the protesters demonstrating?
They were protesting the government’s plan to raise subsidized fuel prices.
4. Who gave information as a source?
Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Cmr. Rikwanto gave information as a source.
5. Mention two language features used in the text.
Examples: past tense, action verbs, saying verbs, time information, and place information.
Conclusion
This example shows how a news item text reports an important event. It uses a clear structure: newsworthy event, background event, and source.
By studying this example, students can understand how news item text is organized.
