The beginning of the text outlines the course’s objective of instructing students in writing plain newspaper English as a foundational aspect of composition. It includes discussions on the various roles within a newspaper organization, such as the managing editor and different types of reporters, and highlights the importance of gathering accurate news. Additionally, it suggests lessons on the elements of effective reporting, with a focus on practical assignments that students can relate to real-world experiences. Overall, this opening illustrates the book's commitment to fostering both writing proficiency and critical thinking about journalism's role in society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)