BSJ Magazine and Feature Writing

Question 1

What primarily distinguishes a feature story from a hard news story?

Accepted Answer

Features use a narrative style and are not time-sensitive

Answer

Features are always shorter in length

Answer

Features only cover entertainment topics

Answer

Features rely solely on official government sources

Question 2

What is the 'nut graf' in feature writing?

Accepted Answer

The paragraph that establishes the story's relevance and main point

Answer

The closing paragraph that summarizes the story

Answer

The opening anecdote that hooks readers

Answer

A paragraph containing statistical data

Question 3

Which narrative technique uses a compelling story about one individual to introduce a broader topic?

Accepted Answer

Anecdotal lead

Answer

Inverted pyramid

Answer

Chronological structure

Answer

Summary lead

Question 4

What does 'service journalism' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Content that provides practical, actionable information to readers

Answer

Journalism covering military and public service workers

Answer

Charitable journalism produced for nonprofit organizations

Answer

News coverage of government social services

Question 5

In magazine writing, what is a 'sidebar'?

Accepted Answer

A secondary story that complements the main feature

Answer

The table of contents listing at the front of the magazine

Answer

An advertisement placed adjacent to editorial content

Answer

The editor's note at the beginning of an issue

Question 6

Which type of feature story focuses primarily on the life and personality of a specific individual?

Accepted Answer

Profile

Answer

Trend story

Answer

Backgrounder

Answer

Roundup

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of a 'query letter' in magazine journalism?

Accepted Answer

To pitch a story idea to an editor

Answer

To request information from confidential sources

Answer

To submit a completed article for final review

Answer

To request a correction to a previously published piece