Writing The News: "Featurizing" The News
This quiz follows the "Writing the News: "Featurizing" the News presentation.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Choose all of the following that describe the possible function of feature writing:
- A.
Humanize
- B.
Describe
- C.
Clarify
- D.
Explain
- E.
Entertain
- F.
Use inverted pyramid
Correct Answer(s)
A. Humanize
B. Describe
C. Clarify
D. Explain
E. EntertainExplanation
Feature writing serves multiple functions, including humanizing a story by adding personal elements and emotions to make it relatable. It also aims to describe and provide detailed information about a subject, clarifying any confusion or misconceptions. Furthermore, feature writing explains complex ideas or processes in a simplified manner, making it easier for the audience to understand. Additionally, feature writing aims to entertain readers by using storytelling techniques and engaging narratives. The use of inverted pyramid structure, where the most important information is presented first, is not mentioned in the question.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following does not describe feature writing:
- A.
Recap major news that was previously reported
- B.
Replace first-hand news
- C.
In-depth reporting to side bar a news story
- D.
Sometimes called narrative journalism
Correct Answer
B. Replace first-hand newsExplanation
Feature news never replaces first-hand news, although it can clarify, explain or broaden a reader's understanding of the news.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Feature writing types include: personality profiles, human interest, trends, in-depth stories, and backgrounders.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Feature writing types include personality profiles, human interest stories, trends, in-depth stories, and backgrounders. These types of articles focus on providing in-depth information, capturing readers' interest, and exploring various aspects of a topic. Therefore, the statement "Feature writing types include personality profiles, human interest, trends, in-depth stories, and backgrounders" is true.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Feature writing can stand alone or be a sidebar to a straight news story.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Feature writing is a form of journalism that focuses on in-depth storytelling and human interest. It can be presented as a standalone article or as a sidebar to a straight news story, providing additional context or a different perspective. This allows readers to engage with the topic in a more comprehensive and engaging manner. Therefore, the statement that feature writing can stand alone or be a sidebar to a straight news story is true.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The lead must catch the spirit of the story and create the proper tone: serious, sarcastic, ironic, flippant, melancholy, etc.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The lead of a story refers to the opening paragraph or sentence that grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is important for the lead to capture the spirit of the story and create the appropriate tone, whether it is serious, sarcastic, ironic, flippant, melancholy, or any other tone that aligns with the overall theme or message of the story. Therefore, the statement that the lead must catch the spirit of the story and create the proper tone is true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which type of lead concentrates on the five senses, and describes an event or a person?
- A.
Suspended Interest
- B.
Parody
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Descriptive
Correct Answer
D. DescriptiveExplanation
A descriptive lead is a type of lead that focuses on engaging the reader's five senses and provides a detailed description of an event or a person. It aims to create a vivid image in the reader's mind by using sensory language and descriptive words. This type of lead is often used in storytelling or narrative writing to captivate the reader's attention and draw them into the story.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which type of lead plays to the reader's prior knowledge of a person, place, thing or literary work?
- A.
Parody
- B.
Allusion
- C.
Descriptive
- D.
Suspended Interest
Correct Answer
B. AllusionExplanation
Allusion is the correct answer because it refers to the reader's prior knowledge of a person, place, thing, or literary work. An allusion is a literary device that makes a reference to something or someone from history, literature, mythology, or popular culture. By using allusions, writers can tap into the reader's existing knowledge and create a deeper connection between the text and the reader. It adds layers of meaning and can evoke emotions or associations related to the referenced person, place, thing, or literary work.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following types of leads relates the topic to be discussed to a song, poem, quote, movie by paralleling well-known words?
- A.
Parody
- B.
Descriptive
- C.
Suspended interest
- D.
Direct address
Correct Answer
A. ParodyExplanation
A parody is a type of lead that relates the topic to be discussed to a song, poem, quote, or movie by paralleling well-known words. Parody involves imitating or mocking a familiar piece of literature or media in order to create a humorous or satirical effect. In this context, the use of a parody as a lead would help to engage the reader by drawing connections between the topic and something well-known, creating a sense of familiarity and potentially adding humor to the introduction.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following lead types builds intrigue and mystery, revealing what the story is about several paragraphs into the story?
- A.
Direct address
- B.
Parody
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Suspended interest
Correct Answer
D. Suspended interestExplanation
The lead type that builds intrigue and mystery, revealing what the story is about several paragraphs into the story, is "suspended interest." Suspended interest refers to a technique where the writer intentionally withholds crucial information or creates suspense in the beginning of the story, keeping the reader engaged and curious to find out more. This type of lead is effective in capturing the reader's attention and making them want to continue reading to uncover the story's plot and details.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following lead types speaks directly to the reader using the word "you" and an active verb of command?
- A.
Direct address
- B.
Description
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Parody
Correct Answer
A. Direct addressExplanation
Direct address is the correct answer because it refers to a lead type in writing that directly speaks to the reader using the word "you" and an active verb of command. This type of lead is often used to engage the reader and create a sense of immediacy and personal connection. By using direct address, the writer is able to command the reader's attention and make them feel directly involved in the message being conveyed.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Leads should open with the SPECIFIC and then go to the GENERAL.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Opening leads with specific information and then moving to general information is an effective approach in communication. This allows the listener or reader to grasp the main point or key details first, making the message more clear and engaging. By starting with specific information, it captures attention and provides context, and then transitioning to general information helps to provide a broader understanding of the topic. This approach is commonly used in various forms of communication, such as presentations, writing, and conversations, to effectively convey information and maintain the interest of the audience.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Leads should:
- A.
Most often be longer than one sentence.
- B.
Be specific and original to the story.
- C.
Avoid cliches
- D.
Be in third person
Correct Answer(s)
A. Most often be longer than one sentence.
B. Be specific and original to the story.
C. Avoid cliches
D. Be in third personExplanation
This answer provides a set of guidelines for leads, which are the opening sentences or paragraphs of a story. It states that leads should typically be longer than one sentence, as a single sentence may not provide enough information or context. Additionally, leads should be specific and original to the story, meaning they should provide unique details and not rely on cliches or overused phrases. Lastly, leads should be written in third person, which is the standard narrative perspective in journalism.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following are true about a nutgraf?
- A.
Follows a feature lead.
- B.
A summary of what the story is about.
- C.
The five Ws and H that were not answered in the lead.
- D.
Essentially the thesis statement of your story.
- E.
Is derived from a combination of "in a nutshell" and the word "paragraph"
- F.
Can be spelled nut graph, nutgraph or nutgraf.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Follows a feature lead.
B. A summary of what the story is about.
C. The five Ws and H that were not answered in the lead.
D. Essentially the thesis statement of your story.
E. Is derived from a combination of "in a nutshell" and the word "paragraph"
F. Can be spelled nut graph, nutgraph or nutgraf.Explanation
A nutgraf is a paragraph in a news article that follows a feature lead, provides a summary of what the story is about, includes the five Ws and H that were not answered in the lead, and essentially serves as the thesis statement of the story. The term "nutgraf" is derived from a combination of "in a nutshell" and the word "paragraph." It can be spelled as nut graph, nutgraph, or nutgraf.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The body of the feature story, or journalism narrative, is similar to the straight news feature in that it uses transitions to introduce quotes, but is different from straight news in that it can be lengthier and more like a narrative story.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The body of a feature story or journalism narrative is similar to a straight news feature in that it uses transitions to introduce quotes. However, it differs from straight news in that it can be longer and more like a narrative story. This means that feature stories have more room for storytelling techniques and can delve deeper into the subject matter, allowing for a more engaging and immersive reading experience.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The conclusion can be:
- A.
Unimportant, since it will likely be removed by the editor if more space is needed
- B.
A powerful quote that ties back to the beginning
- C.
A statement that ties back to the beginning or summarizes the story
- D.
A summation of the story
Correct Answer(s)
B. A powerful quote that ties back to the beginning
C. A statement that ties back to the beginning or summarizes the story
D. A summation of the storyExplanation
The conclusion can be a powerful quote that ties back to the beginning, a statement that ties back to the beginning or summarizes the story, or a summation of the story.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Aug 31, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 30, 2017Quiz Created by
Kdavenport
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