BSJ Bachelor of Journalism: News Reporting and Writing Skills 2

Question 1

Which sentence structure is preferred in news writing for clarity and immediacy?

Accepted Answer

Short, declarative sentences in active voice

Answer

Active, short declarative sentences convey information quickly and clearly, which is essential in journalism.

Question 2

A reporter receives a tip that a city councilmember misused public funds. What is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Verify the tip with at least two independent sources

Answer

Verification with multiple independent sources is the foundational step before any story moves forward.

Question 3

What does 'burying the lede' mean in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Placing the most important information too far down in the story

Answer

Burying the lede means the most newsworthy information is delayed rather than placed at the top of the story.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a 'nut graf'?

Accepted Answer

A paragraph that explains why the story matters to readers

Answer

The nut graf tells readers why the story is significant and why they should care, often appearing after a feature-style opening.

Question 5

When covering a breaking crime story, a reporter learns the suspect's name from a police scanner. What should the reporter do?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the name with official law enforcement before publishing

Answer

Scanner traffic is not confirmed information; reporters must verify names with official sources before publishing.

BSJ - Bachelor of Journalism Practice Test