Inverted Pyramid Writing Example

This is another writing assignment that I did for my Media Writing course at UNO.  This is an example of my journalistic writing using the inverted pyramid style.  It was another step I took toward learning how to properly write in that style.

Research has found that more sleep if needed for teenagers who look to do well in school or simply make good decisions.  Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center recently completed a study of the sleep patterns of 600 university students.  They found that students, typically, sleep only 4 to 6 hours as opposed to the recommended 8. 

The scientists, led by Dr. Frank Mangemelli, found that students who get lower grades generally get twenty minutes less sleep than those who get higher grades.  Lack of sleep can lead to other problems; cold and flu are an issue. Lack of concentration, depression, hyperactivity and making poor decisions about major things such as drugs and sex are also a problem. “Not enough sleep can lead students to make very, very poor decisions and compromise their long-term health.” Says Dr. Mangemelli. 

UNO speech communication major Sue Steiner, 19, takes 12 hours of classes and works 25 to 30 hours a week.  No matter how much work there is to do, Sue makes time to see friends, even if it’s sacrificing sleep. “Even if I’m tired, if I have a chance to get out with friends on the weekend, I do it because I know I won’t have another chance to see them.”  She says that she only gets around 6 hours of sleep a night, under the amount recommended for teens. “I know I’m always tired, but I don’t know how to change that…” Steiner says. 

Creighton pre-med student, Jim VanKamp, 20, falls back on another staple for students trying to stay awake. “I’m a serious caffeine junkie,” Jim said. “I use coffee and Bolt and all those drinks that help you stay awake because I have so much to do. I just tell myself it’s worth it in the long run.”  With 18 hours of classes a day and work as a resident adviser, he has little time for friends or for sleep. 

While it was once believed that people needed less sleep as they matured, this research shows that teenagers generally need more sleep than younger and older people.  Needing over 9 hours as opposed to 8 needed for adults. “Our study, along with other studies showing widespread sleep deprivation among young people, should propel efforts to educate them about the importance of a good night’s sleep,” Mangemelli said.