Unit E - Writing and Telling Stories

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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?

Question 2

What are three intro tests?

Answer 2

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?

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

What has happened, what is new?

Question 5

What are ‘pick-up’ pictures?

Answer 5

Pictures collected from person being interviewed.

Question 6

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

Answer 6

That you look after them and they are safely returned.

Question 7

When can graphics be useful?

Answer 7

When there is a series of complicated incidents.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

- always spell out a number

Question 10

Which other formulae must be avoided in an intro?

Answer 10

‘it was claimed…’ and ‘a man who…’

Question 11

What is the problem weekly papers have?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Which format governs news story writing?

Answer 12

Inverted triangle

Question 13

Explain the WHAT acronym.

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What can go at the end of a news article?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Cut from the bottom.

Question 16

When is it appropriate to use a dropped intro?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

When is it NOT appropriate to use a dropped intro?

Answer 17

For serious stories.

Question 18

What often happens to press releases?

Answer 18

Often rewritten by reporters.

Question 19

Who are some press releases written by?

Answer 19

Former reporters.

Question 20

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

Answer 20

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

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

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

Answer 23

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

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

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

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

List some of the questions you would ask a wedding couple

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Where might you find a bright intro?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Who is most likely to read retirement stories?

Answer 29

Older readers.

Question 30

Which phrases should you avoid in an obit story?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

What basic information should you include in an obit story?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

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

Answer 32

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

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Five.

Question 34

What must you not overlook when reporting?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

What must you be aware of when reporting speakers?

Answer 35

- 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

Question 36

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

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

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

Answer 37

- 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

Question 38

What do coroners inquire into and under what circumstances?

Answer 38

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

Question 39

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

Answer 39

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

Question 40

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

Answer 40

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

Question 41

What is a feature?

Answer 41

A longer, more thoughtful article with more detail.

Question 42

What are the two types of features?

Answer 42

News features and soft features.

Question 43

What can features be about?

Answer 43

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