AGCJ 404
Agricultural Communications and Journalism

You completed the Research Brief, now your supervisor wants you to convert that same information into a shorter, more easily consumed agricultural media product, such as a one-page Fact Sheet. Don't forget, you will create a Press Release, and News Brief using the same topic featured in your Research Brief. "Great," you moan to the supervisor, "I'll get right on that, since it's due one week after the research brief.

You wonder, "What is a Fact Sheet? How do I create it using my research brief?" Good questions! The following bullets provide potential answers.

• Fact Sheets are "usually" limited to one page, if text only, or two-pages if including photos/illustrations (a good idea).
• Typically, fact sheets do not contain the same APA references (in text), as used in your research brief, but you will include the original reference list.
• Fact Sheets exhibit concise, tight writing styles.
• Strive to highlight the major points from the research brief.
• Use a "less technical" writing style than what was used in the research brief.
• Use an appropriate format (Hint: use this Header/Footer template) for your fact sheet.
• Use numbered or bulleted lists to convey important facts or steps from the research brief.
• Fact Sheets use more "color" than what was used in the research briefs.
• HINT: Your supervisor prefers color and graphics in your fact sheets.

• A full one-page minimum (if text only), single-spaced, using double-column format.
• Times New Roman, 11-point font for all text in the narrative.
• Clear, B&W laser-quality print is good, full color laser-quality is best.
• Fact sheet sections are posed as questions (derived from your research brief).
• Contact information is needed (usually in the form of a footer on each page).
• You must turn in the research brief with your fact sheet for comparative purposes.
• Submit the Fact Sheet (hard copy and e-mail file to instructor) by the deadline date.

• Composting Toilet (authors called it a Fact Sheet), and its corresponding Research Brief
• Wells
• Guana Marsh
• Lake Apopka
• Prescribed Fire