FREE Bachelor of Journalism: News Reporting and Writing Skills Questions and Answers
How can soft news be defined or described?
The correct answer is "News that's entertaining or interesting." Soft news, often referred to as human-interest or feature stories, focuses on less pressing or serious topics, and it is designed to engage and entertain the audience rather than delivering hard-hitting factual information. Soft news stories often cover lifestyle, entertainment, arts, culture, and other topics that may not have a significant impact on public affairs but can still captivate readers or viewers with engaging narratives and personal stories.
What does the term "hard news" refer to?
The term "hard news" refers to "news that affects an entire group of people" because it typically involves significant and objective events or issues that have a broad impact on the public, often addressing important and timely matters that are of general interest to the audience. Hard news aims to provide factual and impartial information, focusing on topics with broader societal relevance.
How can a source be defined in journalism?
The correct answer is "A person that a reporter interviews for their story." In journalism, a source refers to an individual or entity from whom a reporter gathers information, quotes, or insights to include in their news article or journalistic piece. Reporters rely on sources to provide accurate and firsthand details on a particular event, topic, or issue, which enhances the credibility and depth of their reporting.
What criteria determine the newsworthiness of a story?
The correct answer is "The story has to be about a topic that appeals to the public interest." Newsworthiness is determined by whether a story is relevant, timely, and of significance to the public. A story that addresses issues or events that impact a large audience or community is more likely to be considered newsworthy and garner attention from media outlets.
What is the significance of reporters engaging with sources?
The correct answer is "Sources give a story balance by offering different perspectives." When reporters communicate with sources, they obtain diverse viewpoints and insights on a particular topic or event, allowing them to present a well-rounded and comprehensive account of the story. Including various perspectives from sources enhances the objectivity and credibility of the reporting, providing readers with a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
How can a creative lead in journalism be defined?
The correct answer is "A piece of information that attracts and keeps the reader interested." In journalism, a creative lead, also known as a "hook" or "lede," is an engaging and captivating piece of information used at the beginning of a story to draw the reader's attention and entice them to continue reading. It serves as a powerful opening that piques the reader's curiosity and sets the tone for the rest of the article.
What does "balance" refer to when discussing a news story?
The correct answer is "Covering all sides of an issue as fairly as possible." In the context of a news story, "balance" refers to presenting different perspectives and viewpoints related to an issue without favoring any particular side. This approach ensures that the reporting is impartial and allows the audience to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive and unbiased presentation of information.
What is the main focus of profile stories?
The correct answer is "An individual." Profile stories primarily center around providing in-depth and detailed accounts of a specific person's life, achievements, experiences, or characteristics. These stories delve into the individual's background, personality, and impact, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the person being profiled.
What factors should influence your selection of a source?
The correct answer is "The source's expertise." When selecting a source for a news story or journalistic piece, it is crucial to consider the individual's knowledge, qualifications, and experience related to the subject matter. Choosing an expert source enhances the credibility and accuracy of the information being reported and ensures that the audience receives reliable and well-informed insights on the topic.
How does a reporter achieve "balance" in their story?
The correct answer is "By quoting several different sources." In the context of a news story, "balance" refers to incorporating quotes and perspectives from various sources to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive coverage of the topic. By including multiple viewpoints, journalists can present a fair and unbiased account of the issue, which enhances the credibility and accuracy of their reporting.
How can a reporter be defined?
The correct answer is "A person who interviews sources, writes copy, and is published." A reporter is an individual who gathers information through interviews with sources, writes news articles or copy based on that information, and then has their work published in newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Reporters play a crucial role in journalism, as they are responsible for informing the public about current events and important stories in an objective and accurate manner.
What type of creative lead does the following sentence exemplify? "Six years ago, Mr. Maxwell's son James fell down a well, and he's still climbing out."
The correct answer is "Suspense/Teaser." The sentence serves as a creative lead that engages the reader's curiosity by presenting a suspenseful situation with a teaser, leaving them eager to know more about what happened to Mr. Maxwell's son James and how he is still climbing out of the well after six years. This type of lead aims to hook the audience and entice them to read further into the story to find the resolution or continuation of the intriguing situation introduced in the opening sentence.
How can an editorial be defined?
The correct answer is "An opinion piece published on a special page." An editorial is a type of written article in journalism that reflects the opinion and viewpoint of the publication's editorial board or the editor-in-chief. It is usually published on a dedicated page and offers the publication's stance on various topics, current events, or important issues.
What term characterizes a feature story?
The correct answer is "A soft news story." A feature story typically falls under the category of soft news and often covers human-interest topics, lifestyle, arts, entertainment, or other less time-sensitive subjects. Unlike hard news stories that focus on current events and serious issues, feature stories are designed to engage and entertain the audience with in-depth and often more emotive narratives, adding a human touch to the news reporting.
What elements are typically found in a summary lead?
A summary lead typically contains "the most important facts of the story" because it aims to provide a concise and informative overview of the main points to capture the reader's attention and give them a quick understanding of the key details. It condenses the essential information into a brief opening paragraph to entice readers to continue reading the full story for more in-depth details.
What is the information represented by the 5 W's and 1 H?
The correct answer is "The six facts necessary for a summary lead." The 5 W's and 1 H represent the essential information that should be included in the opening sentences of a news story to provide a concise and informative summary. They stand for Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How, ensuring that the most critical aspects of the story are addressed early on and readers can quickly grasp the key details of the event being reported.