OSSLT Interpreting News Reports 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A news report states: 'The study found a correlation between screen time and sleep loss.' What does 'correlation' mean in this context?
- One thing directly causes the other
- Two things occur together but one does not necessarily cause the other (Correct answer)
- Scientists proved both claims false
- The study results were inconclusive
Correct answer: Two things occur together but one does not necessarily cause the other
Correlation means two variables are associated, but it does not establish that one causes the other.
Question 2: A reporter includes only quotes from people who support a new transit plan and none from opponents. This is an example of:
- Strong investigative journalism
- Selection bias that presents a one-sided view (Correct answer)
- Proper use of the inverted pyramid
- Objective news writing
Correct answer: Selection bias that presents a one-sided view
Selecting only supportive quotes while omitting opposing views creates a biased, incomplete picture of the issue.
Question 3: In a news report, a 'sidebar' is best described as:
- A column written by an editor
- A short related article placed beside the main story (Correct answer)
- An advertisement near the news story
- A photo caption below the main image
Correct answer: A short related article placed beside the main story
A sidebar is a short supplementary piece placed alongside a main article to provide related context or additional detail.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a 'feature story' compared to a hard news report?
- It covers breaking news as quickly as possible
- It explores a topic in depth with narrative elements and is less time-sensitive (Correct answer)
- It only contains opinion and no facts
- It is shorter and uses only bullet points
Correct answer: It explores a topic in depth with narrative elements and is less time-sensitive
Feature stories go beyond immediate news to explore background, human interest, or context in a more narrative style.
Question 5: A news headline reads: 'City Council May Approve New Bylaw.' The word 'may' tells the reader that the bylaw:
- Has already been passed
- Is certain to be rejected
- Has not yet been decided or confirmed (Correct answer)
- Was approved last year
Correct answer: Has not yet been decided or confirmed
The modal verb 'may' signals uncertainty — the action is possible but not yet confirmed.
Question 6: Why do journalists often seek a second source to confirm a claim before publishing?
- To make the article longer
- To verify accuracy and reduce the risk of reporting false information (Correct answer)
- To provide more quotes for the article
- To satisfy word-count requirements
Correct answer: To verify accuracy and reduce the risk of reporting false information
Seeking a second source is a basic journalistic standard that helps ensure the information is accurate and reliable.
Question 7: A news report covers a factory fire. The reporter describes firefighters 'battling' the blaze. This word choice:
- Is a factual technical term used by fire services
- Creates a vivid image that emphasizes the difficulty and danger of the situation (Correct answer)
- Shows the reporter's negative bias toward the fire department
- Is an example of understated, neutral language
Correct answer: Creates a vivid image that emphasizes the difficulty and danger of the situation
'Battling' is a figurative word that conveys struggle and danger, making the scene more vivid for readers.
OSSLT Interpreting News Reports 3
A news report states: 'The study found a correlation between screen time and sleep loss.' What does 'correlation' mean in this context?