Understanding Captions and Cutlines

What is the primary purpose of a photo caption in a publication?

• To provide a humorous commentary on the photo

• To give the reader basic information to understand the photograph

• To describe the technical details of how the photo was taken

• To list the equipment used by the photographer

Which of the following is NOT recommended when writing a cutline?

• Use present tense in the first sentence

• Start with the word "Above"

• Identify the main people in the photo

• Match the tone of the cutline to that of the photo

Explain the difference between a caption and a cutline.

• A caption is a detailed description of the photo, while a cutline is a brief title.

• A caption is the text below the photo, while a cutline is the headline or title.

• A caption is the headline or title that precedes a photo’s cutline, while a cutline is the text below the picture that explains what the reader is looking at.

• A caption and a cutline are the same and can be used interchangeably.

Why is it important to fact-check information used in cutlines?

• To ensure the cutline is humorous

• To maintain the credibility of the publication

• To make the cutline longer

• To use more descriptive adjectives

Which of the following best describes the structure of a cutline?

• A single sentence written in past tense

• A paragraph with multiple descriptive adjectives

• The first sentence in present tense identifying the 5Ws, followed by additional context in past tense

• A list of names and dates