Deck 5: Structure and Storytelling

Question 1

What is a common term to describe newspaper "pieces," online "articles" and broadcast "packages?"

A) Journalism
B) Elements
C) Stories
D) Publications

Answer 1

Stories

Question 2

What are some of the more annoying aspects of bad journalistic storytelling that you have found? What bothers you about these stories? How did the journalist who created them violate any of the principles outlined in the chapter?

Answer 2

No Answer.

Question 3

What are some of the best stories you have ever heard or read? Don't focus on just journalism. These could be fables, inspirational tales or anything else that you view as a story. What were some of the things you liked best about these stories? Why did they stick with you? How can you translate these positive elements into your own work?

Answer 3

No Answer.

Question 4

Which of the following structures is best for writing a deeper, richer story?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 5

Which of the following structures is best for producing a broadcast report of a school board meeting?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 6

Which of the following structures is best for writing breaking news?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 7

A broadcast journalist who ends a package by appearing on the screen and noting, "For Channel Six, I'm Bill Smith" is using what as a closing?

A) Soundbite
B) Actuality
C) Stand-up
D) Biased reporting

Question 8

In a text-based article, which of the following things is a good way to close the story?

A) A personal send-off by the reporter
B) Additional background information
C) A summary of information with added opinion
D) A closing quote

Question 9

When a person reaches the end of a story, regardless of format, what is the most important thing they should realize?

A) The story is at its closure point
B) The story gave them an emotional experience
C) The story had value
D) The story probably will lead to more stories

Question 10

According to your book, repetition:

A) Should always be avoided
B) Occasionally has value, but only if it adds to a larger storytelling approach
C) Can usually drive home a key point
D) Is a tool like any other tool you can use

Question 11

What is it called when reporters use all the facts they have gathered, regardless of the value those facts provide to the story?

A) Notebook emptying
B) Middle matter
C) Repetition
D) Narrative enhancement

Question 12

A soft lead would be an effective beginning for all of the following stories EXCEPT:

A) A personality profile
B) A localization
C) An in-depth piece
D) An armed-robbery story

Question 13

The first paragraph of a story that contains most of the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How elements is best described as:

A) An inverted pyramid
B) A hard lead
C) A feature lead
D) A narrative lead

Question 14

All good stories have:

A) A beginning, a middle and an end
B) A lead and quotes
C) A sense of drama
D) An inverted-pyramid structure

Question 15

A sentence that says, "Here is a rich man," violates what fundamental rule of storytelling?

A) Use long sentences
B) Describe with flair
C) Attribute your work
D) Show, don't tell

Question 16

An axiom that guides good storytelling is:

A) The journalist knows best.
B) Use digital tools whenever possible
C) If you wouldn't read it, don't write it.
D) Give the readers whatever they want.

Question 17

As it relates to storytelling, good journalism should:

A) Tell whatever story the journalist thinks is important
B) Engage and inform the audience members
C) Just give readers a series of facts
D) Provide the 5Ws and 1H

Question 18

Which storytelling structures work best for you as you consume information? Do you prefer a "hard news" approach or do you like more chronological formats? What is it that draws you to these formats and how do they help you understand the content?

Question 19

What is a common term to describe newspaper "pieces," online "articles" and broadcast "packages?"

A) Journalism
B) Elements
C) Stories
D) Publications

Question 20

As it relates to storytelling, good journalism should:

A) Tell whatever story the journalist thinks is important.
B) Engage and inform the audience members.
C) Just give readers a series of facts.
D) Provide the 5Ws and 1H.

Question 21

An axiom that guides good storytelling is:

A) The journalist knows best.
B) Use digital tools whenever possible
C) If you wouldn't read it, don't write it.
D) Give the readers whatever they want.

Question 22

A sentence that says, "Here is a rich man," violates what fundamental rule of storytelling?

A) Use long sentences
B) Describe with flair
C) Attribute your work
D) Show, don't tell

Question 23

All good stories have:

A) A beginning, a middle and an end
B) A lead and quotes
C) A sense of drama
D) An inverted-pyramid structure

Question 24

The first paragraph of a story that contains most of the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How elements is best described as:

A) An inverted pyramid
B) A hard lead
C) A feature lead
D) A narrative lead

Question 25

A soft lead would be an effective beginning for all of the following stories EXCEPT:

A) A personality profile
B) A localization
C) An in-depth piece
D) An armed-robbery story

Question 26

What is it called when reporters use all the fact they have gathered, regardless of the value those facts provide tbuio the story?

A) Notebook emptying
B) Middle matter
C) Repetition
D) Narrative enhancement

Question 27

According to your book, repetition:

A) should always be avoided.
B) occasionally has value, but only if it adds to a larger storytelling approach.
C) can usually drive home a key point.
D) is a tool like any other tool you can use.

Question 28

When a person reaches the end of a story, regardless of format, what is the most important thing they should realize?

A) The story is at its closure point
B) The story gave them an emotional experience
C) The story had value
D) The story probably will lead to more stories

Question 29

In a text-based article, which of the following things is a good way to close the story?

A) A personal send-off by the reporter
B) Additional background information
C) A summary of information with added opinion
D) A closing quote

Question 30

A broadcast journalist who ends a package by appearing on the screen and noting, "For Channel Six, I'm Bill Smith" is using what as a closing?

A) Soundbite
B) Actuality
C) Stand-up
D) Biased reporting

Question 31

Which of the following structures is best for writing breaking news?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 32

Which of the following structures is best for producing a broadcast report of a school board meeting?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 33

Which of the following structures is best for writing a deeper, richer story?

A) Inverted Pyramid
B) Narrative
C) Hourglass
D) Circle/Chronological

Question 34

What are some of the best stories you have ever heard or read? Don't focus on just journalism. These could be fables, inspirational tales or anything else that you view as a story. What were some of the things you liked best about these stories? Why did they stick with you? How can you translate these positive elements into your own work?

Question 35

Which storytelling structures work best for you as you consume information? Do you prefer a "hard news" approach or do you like more chronological formats? What is it that draws you to these formats and how do they help you understand the content?