Understanding News Writing

What is the primary reason for participating in the UIL journalism contest?

• To enjoy the virtual student activities conference

• To learn about news writing virtually

• To win scholarships and advance to higher levels

• To meet famous people

What does it mean when a news story is described as 'objective'?

• It focuses on one side of the story

• It is fair and balanced, representing both sides

• It is based on the writer's opinion

• It includes a lot of descriptive language

What is the 'inverted pyramid' style in news writing?

• Focusing only on the facts

• Beginning with the most important information and narrowing down

• Writing in chronological order

• Starting with the least important information

Why is the lead important in a news story?

• It lists all the sources used in the story

• It provides the newest, most important information

• It summarizes the entire story in detail

• It contains the writer's contact information

What is not recommended when writing a lead for a news story?

• Including the word 'League Town' unless necessary

• Using a quote from a famous person if relevant

• Focusing on the most important information

• Starting with a date or location

What should a direct quote in a news story do?

• Introduce new topics not covered in the story

• Only include opinions from famous people

• Provide more details and expand on the transition

• Repeat the transition before it

What is a 'fact transition' in news writing?

• A transition that introduces an opinion

• A transition that contradicts the previous paragraph

• A transition based on a direct quote from a source

• A transition that presents a fact without needing attribution

Why is it important to avoid 'echo quotes' in news writing?

• They are required for quoting famous people

• They make the story longer and more detailed

• They repeat the transition, adding no new information

• They provide necessary repetition for emphasis

How should you approach writing your story on contest day?

• Focus on including as many quotes as possible

• Read the prompt thoroughly and identify the newest information

• Write the most controversial parts first

• Start with the conclusion and work backwards

What should you do if you handwrite your story for the UIL journalism contest?

• Ensure it is legible

• Use different colored pens for each paragraph

• Write in first person to make it more personal

• Include your opinions to make the story interesting