Writing The News: Straight News
Explore the fundamentals of news writing, focusing on accuracy, news types, structure, and the importance of the lead in straight news using an inverted pyramid style.
- 1.
Which of the following are features of news writing?
- A.
Accuracy
- B.
Clarity
- C.
Subjectivity
- D.
Objectivity
- E.
Brevity
- F.
Opinion allowed
- G.
Factual
Correct Answer(s)
A. Accuracy
B. Clarity
D. Objectivity
E. Brevity
G. FactualExplanation
Subjectivity and opinion should NEVER be present in news writing, as they reveal bias and take away from a news writer's credibility. Save this for a well-written opinion piece.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What are the two main types of news writing? ________ news and ________ news USE ALL LOWER CASE IN YOUR ANSWERS
Correct Answer(s)
straight
featureExplanation
The two main types of news writing are straight news and feature news. Straight news refers to objective and factual reporting of current events, providing the essential information in a concise and direct manner. On the other hand, feature news involves more in-depth reporting, often focusing on human interest stories, analysis, and storytelling techniques to engage the readers and provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter.Rate this question:
- 3.
News should be told from most important/most interesting to least important/least interesting.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Straight news always begins with the most important facts and most interesting details.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Straight news is written using the inverted pyramid style.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The inverted pyramid style is a method of organizing news articles where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance. This style allows readers to quickly grasp the main points of the news story, even if they only read the first few paragraphs. Therefore, it is correct to say that straight news is written using the inverted pyramid style.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The lead (lede) can go in any paragraph of the straight news story.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The lead is ALWAYS in the first or first and second paragraph when writing straight news.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The lead (lede) should focus on the newest information and/or the future.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The lead, also known as the lede, should focus on the newest information and/or the future. This means that the introductory paragraph of a news article or story should highlight the most recent developments or provide a glimpse into what is expected to happen next. By doing so, the lead captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It ensures that the most relevant and up-to-date information is presented first, making it easier for readers to stay informed.Rate this question:
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- 7.
More detail serves as a transition to a quote and...
- A.
Introduces facts or an interviewee's opinion
- B.
Uses transition words, as needed, to help story flow
- C.
Can be a fact, indirect quote (paraphrased quote), or partial quote
- D.
Introduces the writer's opinion
Correct Answer(s)
A. Introduces facts or an interviewee's opinion
B. Uses transition words, as needed, to help story flow
C. Can be a fact, indirect quote (paraphrased quote), or partial quoteExplanation
More detail introduces another's opinion that will be stated in that person's quote; or introduces a factual claim by an eye witness or expert; it is NOT an introduction to the writer's opinion--as the writer remains objective in a news story.Rate this question:
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- 8.
If a news story must be edited for space, editing is done from the bottom up.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Following the Inverted Pyramid, the least important information can be found in the last paragraph; so that information can be cut first. The editor needed more space will typically cut information by starting at the end of a news story.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 27, 2017Quiz Created by
Kdavenport
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