OSSLT Interpreting News Reports 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A news report about a scientific discovery says: 'Researchers suggest the findings could lead to a cure.' The word 'could' indicates:
- The cure has been developed and tested
- The outcome is possible but not certain (Correct answer)
- Scientists have proven the cure works
- The research has been rejected by experts
Correct answer: The outcome is possible but not certain
'Could' is a modal verb expressing possibility rather than certainty about a future outcome.
Question 2: 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:
- An inverted pyramid lead
- An anecdotal lead that uses a personal story to draw readers in (Correct answer)
- A factual summary of the article's main point
- An editorial expressing the paper's opinion
Correct 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.
Question 3: 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:
- Pad the article with extra words
- Show that all important stakeholder groups affected by the decision were consulted (Correct answer)
- Avoid having to do independent research
- Prove the decision was wrong
Correct 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.
Question 4: In a news report, a photo caption reads: 'Protesters gather outside City Hall on Friday.' The caption's main function is to:
- Express the photographer's opinion about the protest
- Identify the content of the image and provide key contextual details (Correct answer)
- Replace the article's lead paragraph
- Persuade readers to support the protesters
Correct 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.
Question 5: A news article states: 'The mayor's office did not respond to requests for comment.' This sentence most likely indicates:
- The mayor does not have an office
- The journalist attempted to get an official response but was unsuccessful (Correct answer)
- The mayor approved of the article's contents
- The story was published without any verification
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which of the following is the BEST example of an objective, factual news lead?
- The disgraceful new parking bylaw punishes hard-working residents unfairly.
- City council passed a bylaw Monday increasing parking fines from $30 to $75, effective September 1. (Correct answer)
- Everyone knows that parking in this city has always been a disaster.
- The mayor made another terrible decision that will hurt families across the city.
Correct 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.
Question 7: A news report uses the phrase 'alleged perpetrator.' The word 'alleged' is used because:
- The reporter personally believes the person is innocent
- The person has not yet been convicted, and naming them as guilty would be inaccurate and potentially defamatory (Correct answer)
- The police refused to name the suspect
- The crime itself has not been confirmed to have occurred
Correct 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.
OSSLT Interpreting News Reports 5
A news report about a scientific discovery says: 'Researchers suggest the findings could lead to a cure.' The word 'could' indicates: