You can have a little fun with this assignment, although perhaps it will seem grisly. You’ve been reading in your textbook about obituaries. For this assignment, you’ll write a 250-word obituary. Choose a famous person to write about who is still alive. If you need further inspiration, read a few celebrity obituaries.

Guidelines:

• Since your subject has not yet died, there is no cause of death. Instead of making it up, use “heart attack” as the cause of death.
• Use trustworthy sources (news articles, official websites etc., rather than Wikipedia) to research background and biographical information on your subject. This information must be accurate.
• You must include two direct quotes. These could come from a family member of your subject, a fan, a colleague, a friend, etc. Do not make these up. Read news articles written about your subject and pull quotes from there. But be sure to cite your source! (For example: Michael Jackson “bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and pop music and made it into a global culture,” Tommy Mottola told the New York Times.)
• Remember to maintain you objectivity. Don’t gush over the person, even if it’s someone you admire. Aim for fairness and accuracy – avoid exaggeration.
• Use AP style.
• Use this funeral information – Funeral: 6/17 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Burial: Private, will follow funeral.
• Follow the standard rules for news writing.