Elements of News Writing

This video tutorial explains the various components of a news story, including the headline, deck, byline, dateline, lead, quote, attribution, photo, caption, photo credit, pull quote, tagline, and body copy. Each part is defined and illustrated with examples to help viewers understand their roles in journalism.

What is the primary purpose of a headline in a news story?

• To give the date and location of the story

• To provide detailed information about the story

• To summarize the story and attract readers

• To list the sources of the story

What is a deck in the context of a news story?

• A list of sources

• A quote from a key person in the story

• The main body of the story

• A sub headline that adds information to the main headline

What information does a byline typically include?

• The date and location of the story

• The writer's name and credentials

• A summary of the story

• A quote from the story

When is a dateline used in a news story?

• When the story is written by a guest writer

• When the story occurs outside the paper's usual coverage area

• When the story includes a quote

• When the story has a photo

What is the main function of the lead in a news story?

• To give the writer's opinion on the story

• To list the sources of the story

• To hook readers with the essential details of the story

• To provide a detailed analysis of the story

Which part of a news story is responsible for hooking the reader?

• The byline

• The tagline

• The lead

• The photo

What is the role of quotes in a news story?

• To summarize the story

• To list the locations mentioned in the story

• To give exact words from sources to add authenticity

• To provide the writer's opinion

What does attribution in a news story refer to?

• The source of a quote or information

• The writer's credentials

• The main headline

• The date and location of the story

What is the purpose of a photo in a news story?

• To provide a visual illustration of the story

• To give the writer's opinion

• To list the sources of the story

• To summarize the story

What information is typically included in a caption?

• Identification of people in the photo and its relation to the story

• The date and location of the story

• A summary of the story

• The writer's name