MCOM 210 Introduction to Media Writing

Introduction to Media Writing

MCOM 210 Introduction to Media Writing
Semester: Spring 2000

Quizzes and Exams
The study guide you generated is listed after my brief synopsis of the exam.

Exam Format:

100 points possible
Questions will be in a variety of formats: Multiple choice, T/F, matching, short essay, and find and correct the AP, grammar or punctuation error.
You have 2 hours to take the exam -you may review right before the exam, but you must budget your time so you finish at 3 p.m.
You may ask me questions before, during or after the exam. Be sure you ask for clarification if a question doesn't make sense!
Bring your AP style manual to use on the exam.

This is the information you are responsible for: (readings, online notes, and class discussion)

PHASE 2: WRITING FOR PRINT This section covers Chapters 3, 4 and 6

W, 2/16: Briefs, Brights, Brevity, Chapter 4 and Editing, Chapter 6
M, 2/21: PRESIDENTS' DAY HOLIDAY -- NO SCHOOL
W, 2/23: Getting to the point, Chapter 3 and Organization for Print, Chapter 4
M, 2/28: Depth and Context/Feature Writing, Chapter 4, pages 95-112
W, 3/1: Feature Writing Work Day -- Online Notes
M, 3/6: Story Formulas, Chapter 4
W, 3/8: Spot News - Major Assignment
MARCH 13-17: SPRING BREAK WEEK
M, 3/20: Print Journalism Wrap-up/Meeting Stories (Speaker: Sarah Coomber, the Forum) and Review for Exam (Feature Story due - Major Assignment, submit exam questions)

One hint from me: Besides making lists of leads, story types, news values, etc., make sure you can provide a sentence (for leads) or a story idea that illustrates it. Providing examples is a higher level of thinking than list-making. In simpler terms - you should know how to explain items in a list because the list may be provided for you.

This is the study guide you generated.

What are the two types of news?: Ans. Hard and Soft.
Explain soft news?: Ans. Stresses human interest and is timeless
Explain hard news?: Ans. Stresses immediacy and it has to NOW, not tomorrow.
T/F The two main types of news are hard news and editorials.: A. False. Hard news and depth and context stories
How many types of news are there?: Answer---Two Spot and Feature
T or F Brights are usually stories that give the main points and eliminates the details of the story?: Ans. False
What is the difference between a bright and a brief?: A. A bright has a twist at the end by saving some important information until the end. They usually are humorous or unique. A brief tells the basics of a story in the pyramid style. Details are left out.
What is a bright?: -a story with a twist
T/F A birth announcement is an example of a formula story.: A. True
What type of story is written in inverted pyramid style and explains, who what when and why?: a. brief; b. brevity; c. obituary; d. oddity; answer a. brief
Stories about Bill Clinton's illicit sexual affairs, and Al Gore's horrible presidential platform are from what types of News Values?: a. oddity and magnitude; b. impact and magnitude; c. timeliness and oddity; d. Prominence and conflict; answer d. Prominence and conflict
A feature story focusing on the Bill Clinton's un-enforced gun laws, is what type of feature?: a. hobby feature; b. fads feature; c. problem feature; d. process feature; answer c. problem feature
What is the purpose of an obituary?: a. Inform public; b. Public Record; c. so everyone can stick their nose in other people's business; d. a and b; answer d. both a and b
Which is not a spot news tip?: a. rely on attribution; b. check the facts; c. stay focused to compile possible sources; d. Gather detail.; answer b. check the facts (also recheck facts); Note from me: these are all good things to do when covering a spot news event.
What are 4 characteristics of Spot news?: timely, summarized, organized by importance, an incomplete story
List 3 types of leads in feature stories:: scene-setting lead, anecdotal lead, teaser lead, compare/contrast lead, build on a quote lead
Draw and label the inverted pyramid. Explain why it is used.: (Drawing included in online notes - I didn't transfer it here). WHY was not provided.
_________ features focus on a person.: A. Experience; *B. Personality; C. Human Interest
In feature stories use ____________ language.: A. Dull; B. unclear words; *C. Colorful
Name at least 5 types of feature stories?: Personality, Occupational, Process, Hobby, Historical, Human Interest, Fads
A type of depth and context story with a softer side of the news.: A) Feature stories.
What is the inverted pyramid? Draw pyramid, and describe.: A) Top of the inverted pyramid to bottom: Headline, Lead, Body, and Ending.
What is good headline structure?: A) subject-verb-object.
List four examples of feature stories.: A)hobby, human interest, occupational, and fads
What is a goal of meeting coverage.: A) Know what is going to happen and who is going to be there before you go.
Name the 3 types of Obituaries?: Paid for, Standard/Regular, Prominent Person
How many different types of feature stories are there?: Answer---13
What are the different types of leads?: -who lead; -what lead; -where lead; -when lead; -why lead; -how lead; -significance lead; -quotation lead; -delayed-info. lead
Teaser leads present a mystery.: T or F True
why print the story - news values: 1) prominence; 2) timeliness; 3) PROXIMITY; 4) impact; 5) magnitude; 6) conflict; 7) oddity; 8) emotional impact
What is the correct structure of a headline?: A. subject-verb-object
What is in the inverted pyramid?: -headline; -lead; -body; -ending
T/F When writing stories we try to write as few words as possible?: Answer---True, we try to minimize space-wasters and use words that hold meaning and form images - ie: action verbs, descriptive words
T/F Always include everything from your notes.: Answer---False
Did Sara personally like covering meetings for the Fargo Forum?: Answer---Yes, she found it interesting getting to know the "players"
Where did Sarah Coomber go to journalism school?: - U of M journalism school
What is the inverted pyramid?: A: An upside down triangle with Headline, Lead, Body, Ending from top to bottom inscribed inside.
What is the difference between anyone and any one?: A: Anyone is indefinite, and any one singles out.
What is the definition of a feature story?: A: They are a type of depth story but they present a softer side of the news.
What are fads?: A: Fads are stories on the latest raves.
Name 2 of the 4 Characteristics of Spot News?: timely & summarized
Name 2 feature story leads?: scene-setting lead & anecdotal lead
Name 4 news values.: timeliness, proximity, magnitude, & impact
What are story formulas?: methods or basic frameworks to construct a story.
What are the five stages of editing?: -read the copy; -review the structure; -check for accuracy; -check for clear language; -take one final look
What are the five stages of editing?: A. Read the copy, review the structure, check for accuracy, check for clear language, take one final look.
What are the 5 stages of editing?: - Read the copy like you've never seen it before.; - Review the structure; - Check for accuracy; - Check for clear language; - Take one final look
What are 5 of the 9 types of leads?: - Who; - What; - Where; - When; - Why; - How; - Significance; - Quotation; - Delayed-Information
What are 5 of the 13 feature stories?: - Personality; - Occupational; - Process; - Hobby; - Historical; - Experience; - News to Use; - Human Interest; - Program; - Fads; - Problem; - Place; - Featurized
Define Story Formulas: - A method or basic framework to construct a story; - gives elements to include
What are the 6 spot news tips?: - Based on Interviews and tips; - Rely on Attribution; - Gather detail; - Try to stay focused; - Check and recheck facts; - Follow up
Pick the correct word in the following sentence: Is (anyone/ any one) going to the game?; A: anyone
The__________ of the school is in her office.: *principal or principle
Use principal in a sentence.: A: He is the principal.
T or F -- Do use titles such as Mr., Mrs., and Ms.: False
T or F (Anyone) should be used for an indefinite reference?: Ans. True
Which of these is a noun?: holdup, hold up, or holed up?; holdup

If you have any questions, please contact me!

Disabilities:
Any student with disabilities, or others who need special accommodations in this class, are invited to share their concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism:
Work submitted for this course must adhere to the Code of Academic Responsibility and conduct as cited in the Handbook of Student Policies (p. 65).

Professor Name: Candace F. Homstad
Last Updated: 3/21/2000 - posted at 12:15 p.m.
Published by North Dakota State University