Interpreting News Reports Flashcards

In a news report, the dateline (e.g., 'TORONTO —') tells the reader:

Answer: Where the story was reported from

The dateline indicates the location from which the journalist filed or reported the story.

A news report uses the phrase 'sources close to the mayor say…' This language signals that the information is:

Answer: Anonymous and unverified by named sources

Unnamed or anonymous sources mean the claim has not been attributed to a verifiable, named individual.

Which news report structure places the least important details last?

Answer: Inverted pyramid

The inverted pyramid puts the most newsworthy information first and background or minor details last.

A reporter writes: 'The government claims the policy will create jobs, but critics argue it will have the opposite effect.' This sentence is an example of:

Answer: Balanced reporting presenting multiple perspectives

Presenting both the government's claim and critics' counterargument reflects balanced, objective reporting.

In a news report, why is it important to note the date of publication?

Answer: It helps assess whether the information is still current

A story's publication date helps readers judge whether the facts, statistics, or situation may have changed.

A headline reads: 'School Budget Slashed by Millions.' The word 'slashed' is best described as:

Answer: A loaded word that suggests a dramatic, negative cut

'Slashed' carries a strongly negative connotation, making the cut sound sudden and severe rather than planned.

When a news article includes a graph showing rising unemployment rates, the graph's primary purpose is to:

Answer: Provide visual evidence that supports and clarifies the report's data

Graphs and visual aids in news reports are used to present data clearly and reinforce the article's key statistics.