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Media Writing Vocab

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. When journalists take sides in a controversial issue - promoting a particular point of view






2. A way to measure the depth of a story






3. A feature that provides drama or emotional impact for readers






4. Someone who works for a news organization a reporter - editor - photographer - etc.






5. An organization that complies news - features and photos and distributes them - for a fee - to subscribing publications






6. The written version of a radio news story






7. The focus - emphasis - or 'slant' of a story; a distinctive way of viewing and writing about a topic






8. To identify the source of a fact - opinion or quote






9. In libel cases - a person who has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in some public controversy






10. A particular demographic at which media producers or advertisers aim their messages






11. To delete part of a story






12. Short for obituary - a story about someone who has died






13. Reporting that requires extensive research to uncover information on misconduct or corruption that has been concealed from the public






14. A format that lets web users subscribe to feeds from blogs or web sites






15. The slanting of information by a source - usually an attempt to make someone look good






16. A story that uses multiple points of entry to make complex topics more accessible to readers






17. A feature story that uses interviews and observations to paint a picture of someone newsworthy






18. A typeface






19. A section or fragment of a longer quote that you insert into anther sentence






20. Commentary that expresses opinion about a current event or issue






21. Statutes that give journalists the right to protect the identity of sources when questioned during judicial proceedings






22. A self-employed writer who sells stories to publications






23. To delay or relocate a story






24. An article or project that's more creative - original - and ambitious than typical news stories






25. A lead that begins a story by placing readers in the middle of the action






26. Tired cliches that are recycled by lazy reporters






27. A reporter who files stories from outside the newsroom






28. Providing a community angle on a national story by discussing its connection to local people - issues - or events






29. An ending that concludes a story in a clever way






30. Factual coverage of serious events






31. A package of information about a product - group or event - often containing background information - photos - news releases and so on






32. An explanatory paragraph near the top of the story that summarizes what the story is about






33. A clickable word or image on a web page that directs you to another page or site






34. Information gathered by reporters to help them understand a story's history - meaning - context - etc. also refers to quotes or facts that can be used in a story without disclosing the source's name.






35. A small photo showing a person's face






36. A graphic treatment of a quotation taken from a story - often using bold or italic type and a photo






37. An attention-getting lead






38. Words appearing at the start of a first paragraph of a story that identify where the story was filed






39. To kill or withhold a story from publication






40. Transferring a court proceeding to another jurisdiction after the prosecution or defense claims that potential jurors have been prejudiced by local media coverage






41. A blog written by a reporter or team of reporters that focuses on specialized topic such as local crime - sports or politics






42. A news lead that summarizes the most significant of the five W's






43. The skills and tactics used to convey information and maintain a positive public image about a person - product - event or organization






44. A direct question intended to elicit a yes-or-not answer






45. A story reported by only one news outlet






46. The right of journalists to print their opinion on the performance of public figures or entertainers






47. A story layout designed across two facing pages






48. Activities or writings that incite resistance or hostility toward the government






49. A feature story on the culture's latest fads - fashions - and ideas






50. A word or phrase used by a writer to move a story from one point to another