Test your basic knowledge |

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. Associated Press - a worldwide news-gathering cooperative






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






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






4. Any map - chart or diagram used to analyze an event - object or place






5. The use of quotes to re-create a conversation between two or more people






6. An advertisement






7. To inject the reporter's opinion inappropriately into a news story or headline






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






9. A story that is continuing to unfold - necessitating follow-up stories as events develop






10. A write whose commentary is sold and distributed by a news organization for reprinting in other publications






11. The text of a story






12. A web site where ordinary users can write and edit content collaboratively






13. A storytelling style where events unfold chronologically






14. A 1966 law requiring federal agencies to make most of their records available to the public upon request






15. A longer analysis piece that attempts to put a complex issue into perspective






16. A newspaper that prints a new edition every day






17. A flattering story written to provide gratuitous publicity






18. The estimated number of readers who view a publication






19. A question phrased in a way that encourages a source to give a lengthy - in-depth answer






20. Factual coverage of serious events






21. Software used to produced animated graphics






22. Violating the right of an ordinary person to be left alone






23. A news library - where published stories and photos are stored for reference






24. A writer's unique blend of syntax - vocabulary and perspective that gives his or her writing its characteristic personality






25. Use online sites such as facebook and myspace to build relationships with colleagues and sources






26. An indirect quote that summarizes - in your own words - what someone else said






27. Small type used for sports statistics - stock tables - classified ads - etc.






28. HyperText Markup Language - the coding used to format and display






29. An excessively long lead that's overstuffed with facts - like a bulging suitcase






30. The business and craft of producing content for the news media






31. Information sent out by a group of individual seeking publicity






32. State and federal laws that guarantee public access to meetings of government bodies






33. Someone who writes a blog






34. The placement of art and text on a page






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






36. A radio news story that begins and ends with a reporter's voice 'wrapped' around one or more sound bites






37. A situation where a journalist's personal interests affect the coverage of a story






38. An entry on a blog






39. Material for news sites that's provided by the public rather than news organizations or journalists






40. A story explaining an upcoming meeting or event






41. A small - detailed page diagram showing where all elements go






42. A news story structure that presents the most important facts first; the rest of the information is organized in descending order of importance






43. In radio or tv new stories - sounds recorded to capture the flavor of a news scene






44. The word journalists use to refer to a published article






45. To kill or withhold a story from publication






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






47. When the anchor speaks over video - or when a reporter narrates over video cover






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






49. Stories that are lighter and less urgent than serious breaking news events






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