CJE CJE News Writing & Reporting Fundamentals

Question 1

Which story structure places the most newsworthy information at the beginning and least important at the end?

Accepted Answer

Inverted pyramid

Answer

The inverted pyramid places the most critical facts first so editors can cut from the bottom without losing essential information.

Question 2

In AP Style, which of the following is the correct way to write a date?

Accepted Answer

March 30, 2026

Answer

AP Style uses month name, day numeral (no ordinal suffix), comma, and four-digit year.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a nut graf in a feature story?

Accepted Answer

To explain why the story matters to readers

Answer

The nut graf tells readers why the story is significant and why they should keep reading.

Question 4

Which sourcing guideline requires journalists to seek comment from a person before publishing negative information about them?

Accepted Answer

Right of reply

Answer

The right of reply principle ensures fairness by giving subjects of negative coverage a chance to respond before publication.

Question 5

When teaching students to identify a story angle, an adviser should emphasize which key question?

Accepted Answer

What is the unique focus that makes this story relevant to this audience?

Answer

The angle is the specific perspective or focus that makes a story relevant and compelling to a particular audience.

CJE - Certified Journalism Educator Practice Test