OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Writing a News Report Flashcards

What is the key difference between a 'hard news' story and a 'feature story'?

Answer: Hard news covers timely, factual events; features are more in-depth and human-interest focused

Hard news reports on current, time-sensitive events factually, while feature stories explore topics in greater depth with a human-interest angle.

Which factor makes an event 'newsworthy' and suitable for a news report?

Answer: It affects many people or is of significant public interest

Newsworthiness is determined by factors like impact, timeliness, prominence, proximity, and how many people are affected.

What is 'editorializing' in news writing, and why should it be avoided in hard news reports?

Answer: Inserting the reporter's own opinion into factual reporting — it compromises objectivity

Editorializing blurs the line between fact and opinion, which undermines the reader's trust in the accuracy and neutrality of the report.

What should the closing paragraph of a news report typically contain?

Answer: Background context, additional details, or a forward-looking statement

The closing paragraph usually provides supplementary context, historical background, or notes about future developments related to the story.

What is a 'pull quote' in a news article layout?

Answer: A highlighted quote taken from the article body and displayed prominently on the page

A pull quote is a visually emphasized excerpt from the article's text, used to draw readers' attention and break up the page layout.

Why is factual accuracy especially important in news writing compared to other forms of writing?

Answer: Because inaccurate reporting can mislead the public and damage trust in journalism

News reports inform public understanding and decision-making, so errors can spread misinformation and erode the credibility of both the reporter and the outlet.