Press Releases Press Release Writing Style 2

Question 1

What is a 'boilerplate' in a press release?

Accepted Answer

A standard paragraph about the company placed at the end

Answer

A boilerplate is a brief, standardized paragraph at the end describing the company's background and mission.

Question 2

When writing numbers in a press release, which is the standard AP Style rule?

Accepted Answer

Use numerals for numbers 10 and above

Answer

AP Style requires spelling out numbers one through nine and using numerals for 10 and above.

Question 3

What should the lead paragraph of a press release answer?

Accepted Answer

Who, what, when, where, and why

Answer

The lead paragraph must answer the five Ws—who, what, when, where, and why—to give journalists the full story immediately.

Question 4

Why should superlatives like 'best' or 'leading' be used cautiously in press releases?

Accepted Answer

They can seem unsubstantiated and damage credibility

Answer

Unsubstantiated superlatives make a release sound promotional rather than newsworthy, reducing journalist trust.

Question 5

What is the correct way to attribute a quote in a press release?

Accepted Answer

"Quote," he said.

Answer

AP Style uses a comma before 'said' and places it after the closing quotation mark.

Press Releases Practice Test