6 News Writing and Editing Free Online FlashCards

What questions identify a story’s central news?

Identify what happened, to whom, when and where, and why it matters.

How should a story handle claims, estimates, and unknowns?

Distinguish confirmed facts from claims, estimates and unknowns, and attribute information when readers need to know its source.

What language choices make news writing clearer?

Prefer specific, familiar words and short, direct sentences. Avoid jargon, unexplained acronyms, vague references and unnecessary adjectives.

What does a summary lead do?

A summary lead gives readers the most important development and key details in one or two focused sentences.

What is one risk of a scene-setting lead?

A feature or scene-setting lead can begin with a human moment or narrative opening, but should not delay the central point for long.

How does the inverted-pyramid structure arrange information?

It puts the central news first, followed by essential details and explanation, then supporting information.

What is a practical benefit—and limitation—of the inverted pyramid?

It makes a story easier to scan and allows less essential material to be cut from the end. It is useful, but not right for every story.

What is a nut graf?

A nut graf explains the broader point or significance of a story, often after a scene-setting lead or to clarify a developing issue.

What should each body paragraph contribute?

Each paragraph should add information, context or a meaningful perspective rather than repeat what came before.

When is a direct quote especially useful?

Use a quote for a distinctive firsthand account, clear explanation, revealing reaction or viewpoint that paraphrase cannot convey as well.

How can a writer preserve a quotation’s meaning?

Quote accurately, identify the speaker clearly, and preserve the meaning of the full statement. Do not assemble fragments or trim words in a way that changes meaning.

What should a writer do with a confusing or awkward quote?

Paraphrase it faithfully and reserve quotation marks for the speaker’s actual words.