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Essential Journalism (NCTJ) > Unit E - Writing and Telling Stories > Flashcards

Unit E - Writing and Telling Stories Flashcards

1
Q

What are the six things you should consider when starting out a story?

A
  1. do you have enough info?
  2. do you need to research the background?
  3. how can this story be developed?
  4. who should I speak to? Cover all sides of the argument.
  5. visual opportunities?
  6. which platforms are best?
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2
Q

What are three intro tests?

A
  1. If you could only say one thing, what would it be?
  2. Essential elements in fewer than 30 words.
  3. How would you talk about story verbally - does it grab people?
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3
Q

What must you consider regarding the six basic questions in the intro?

A

Cannot include all of them but some should be there - particularly ‘who’, ‘what’, and ‘where’

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4
Q

What should you consider when trying to write an intro for a routine story?

A

What has happened, what is new?

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5
Q

What are ‘pick-up’ pictures?

A

Pictures collected from person being interviewed.

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6
Q

What must you be careful of when using ‘pick-up’ pictures?

A

That you look after them and they are safely returned.

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7
Q

When can graphics be useful?

A

When there is a series of complicated incidents.

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8
Q

What must you be careful of when using quotes in an intro?

A
  • starting with a quote is rarely a good idea, but can be relevant depending on who said it
  • paraphrase a quote and then back it
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9
Q

What must you be careful of when involving figures in an intro?

A
  • never start with a figure unless it is the main point

- always spell out a number

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10
Q

Which other formulae must be avoided in an intro?

A

‘it was claimed…’ and ‘a man who…’

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11
Q

What is the problem weekly papers have?

A

They must try to update a story that has already appeared elsewhere.

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12
Q

Which format governs news story writing?

A

Inverted triangle

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13
Q

Explain the WHAT acronym.

A

What happened, what’s new
How did it happen
Amplify the points made
Tie up loose ends

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14
Q

What can go at the end of a news article?

A

Least important info, e.g. non-essential quotes, or important info such as numbers appealing for witnesses.

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15
Q

If you use the inverted triangle method, how do you cut down a piece?

A

Cut from the bottom.

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16
Q

When is it appropriate to use a dropped intro?

A

When a story has been running for some time and a reader may be reasonably familiar with it.

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17
Q

When is it NOT appropriate to use a dropped intro?

A

For serious stories.

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18
Q

What often happens to press releases?

A

Often rewritten by reporters.

19
Q

Who are some press releases written by?

A

Former reporters.

20
Q

What type of press releases need the most attention and why?

A

Releases from official sources because you need to clear them of jargon.

21
Q

What sort of story should you look for in a press release?

A

One better than that which is presented in the press release.

22
Q

How should you go about writing a press release? (thirteen-step method)

A
  1. read through to get general idea
  2. be sceptical - is there a better story?
  3. look for main point for intro = first paragraph
  4. read it through again and mark up important points
  5. if limited words, weigh up importance of info, decided what is needed and not needed
  6. select intro and begin
  7. consider inverted triangle
  8. include background info for context
  9. check if info is incomplete or unclear - may need to contact for clarification
  10. make sure balance of views is included, esp. if controversial
  11. write copy (to length)
  12. check for errors of fact, grammar, or spelling
  13. watch for press release suggesting follow-up or picture.
23
Q

In tackling a press release, what language and style should you use? What should you avoid?

A

Write concisely in short sentences and short words. Take out jargon.

24
Q

What should you do first when looking at a press release?

A

Read it through to get a general idea and then re-read, marking important passages for inclusion in the story.

25
Q

If quoting from a press release, how should you do it?

A

Accurately. Check your quote corresponds exactly with the quote in the handout. Again avoid jargon even in the quote. If there is too much contained in the quote paraphrase into plain reported speech, attributed to the speaker.

26
Q

If a press release you are dealing with contains criticism of somebody or an organisation, what should you do?

A

Contact them for their reply. Put the substance of the criticism to them and ask them for their comments. Then write a story giving a balance of views.

27
Q

List some of the questions you would ask a wedding couple

A

The honeymoon destination; where they met; occupations; their hobbies; their ages or age differences; guests or relatives travelling a long way to get there; something unusual worn by the bride; special features like an arch of swords after the ceremony
The parents might have divorced or remarried. Check his or her spellings and that they agree with yours.
How and where they met; what their jobs are; hobbies and interests; do they belong to any local clubs.

28
Q

Where might you find a bright intro?

A

Always look for the unusual, the out-of-the-ordinary happening. Eg: Bride goes to church in a horse and carriage; a famous guest, unusual honeymoon destination, unusual cake, and, sadly for the couple, something going awfully wrong.

29
Q

Who is most likely to read retirement stories?

A

Older readers.

30
Q

Which phrases should you avoid in an obit story?

A

Well known; deep regret; never suffered fools gladly; enjoyed the good life; passed away; tributes were paid to; highly respected.

31
Q

What basic information should you include in an obit story?

A

Correct spellings of names; age; address; whether married; any children; where born and educated. Framework of career and interests/hobbies. Date and place of death. Funeral details

32
Q

What proofreading system is good to use to ensure you get your article right first time?

A
  1. read for spelling, punctuation, and grammar
  2. read for accuracy
  3. read for story flow, construction, and clarity
  4. read it again
33
Q

Ideally, how many keywords should a good online story have?

A

Five.

34
Q

What must you not overlook when reporting?

A

Events and fetes, other fun such as a hike, spelling bee, dance, etc.

35
Q

What must you be aware of when reporting speakers?

A
  • eyecatching intro important
  • avoid beginning with a quote but get a good one in early
  • mixture of reported speech and quotes
  • be selective and correct grammar
36
Q

What must you do if you have a copy of a speaker’s speech before/after?

A

Before: check it against delivery and note down changes.
After: take notes anyway as the speech may not be the same as what you hear.

37
Q

What basic info do you need to know when court reporting?

A
  • name, age, address of defendant
  • details of charge(s)
  • plea(s)
  • findings of the court and, if guilty, penalty imposed
  • names of solicitors at proceedings and name of presiding magistrate
  • ‘colour’ of story - listen to solicitors and witnesses
38
Q

What do coroners inquire into and under what circumstances?

A

Deaths reported to them - only if unexpected, sudden, violent or unnatural, occurred during operation, industrial disease, or when final illness was not treated by doctor

39
Q

What does an inquest into someone’s death do and not do?

A

Does: find out who has died, where, when, and how cause of death arose.
Does not: apportion blame.

40
Q

In which two cases is it up to the editor to decide whether a story should be published?

A

If a defendant pleads/offers money for their story not to be published, and if there is a question as to whether it is ‘right’ to publish story, e.g. because it is salacious, personal, or embarrassing

41
Q

What is a feature?

A

A longer, more thoughtful article with more detail.

42
Q

What are the two types of features?

A

News features and soft features.

43
Q

What can features be about?

A

Profiles (of people or places), diary and gossip items, or reviews.

Essential Journalism (NCTJ) (9 decks)

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