Interpreting News Reports Flashcards
7 cards from real OSSLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Interpreting News Reports flashcards as text
A news report about a scientific discovery says: 'Researchers suggest the findings could lead to a cure.' The word 'could' indicates:
Answer: The outcome is possible but not certain
'Could' is a modal verb expressing possibility rather than certainty about a future outcome.
A news article opens: 'For Maria Santos, the new transit route isn't just convenient — it's life-changing.' This opening is an example of:
Answer: An anecdotal lead that uses a personal story to draw readers in
An anecdotal lead opens with a specific individual's experience to engage readers before presenting broader facts.
A news report about a school board decision includes a quote from a parent, a teacher, and a trustee. The journalist's purpose in selecting these three sources is most likely to:
Answer: Show that all important stakeholder groups affected by the decision were consulted
Consulting multiple stakeholder groups ensures the reporting is comprehensive and representative of those affected.
In a news report, a photo caption reads: 'Protesters gather outside City Hall on Friday.' The caption's main function is to:
Answer: Identify the content of the image and provide key contextual details
Captions identify who or what is shown in a photo and provide essential context such as location and time.
A news article states: 'The mayor's office did not respond to requests for comment.' This sentence most likely indicates:
Answer: The journalist attempted to get an official response but was unsuccessful
This phrase shows journalistic transparency — the reporter tried to include the subject's perspective but received no reply.
Which of the following is the BEST example of an objective, factual news lead?
Answer: City council passed a bylaw Monday increasing parking fines from $30 to $75, effective September 1.
A factual lead states who did what, when, and with what specific outcome, without opinion or emotional language.
A news report uses the phrase 'alleged perpetrator.' The word 'alleged' is used because:
Answer: The person has not yet been convicted, and naming them as guilty would be inaccurate and potentially defamatory
In journalism and law, 'alleged' protects both accuracy and the principle of innocent until proven guilty.