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Sample Praxis Journalism Practice Questions
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1In the inverted pyramid structure used for hard news writing, where should the most newsworthy information appear?
A.In the final paragraph as a strong conclusion
B.Evenly distributed throughout the story
C.In the lead at the top of the story
D.In a sidebar separate from the main text
Explanation: The inverted pyramid places the most important information first, in the lead, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance. This structure lets readers grasp the key facts immediately and allows editors to trim from the bottom without losing essentials.
2A traditional news lead is most often built around answering which set of questions?
A.Problem, solution, and recommendation
B.Who, what, when, where, why, and how
C.Thesis, evidence, and counterargument
D.Setting, characters, and conflict
Explanation: The classic summary lead answers the 'Five Ws and an H': who, what, when, where, why, and how. Reporters select the most newsworthy of these elements to emphasize at the very top of the story.
3A reporter agrees to receive information 'on background.' What does this term most commonly mean?
A.The information cannot be used or published in any form
B.The source's full name and title may be quoted directly
C.The information may only be shared with the editor, not readers
D.The information can be used but the source cannot be identified by name
Explanation: 'On background' generally means the information may be published but the source is not named, often attributed by a general description such as 'a senior official.' This differs from 'off the record,' under which the information cannot be published, and 'on the record,' under which the source can be fully identified.
4When preparing for an interview, what is the best reason for a journalist to research the subject in advance?
A.To memorize a script so the interview never deviates from it
B.To ask informed questions and follow up effectively on responses
C.To avoid having to take any notes during the conversation
D.To ensure the source approves the questions before the interview
Explanation: Advance research lets a reporter ask substantive, informed questions and recognize when an answer warrants a follow-up. Preparation also helps the journalist detect inaccuracies and use the interview time efficiently.
5In journalism, what does 'attribution' refer to?
A.The headline placed above a news story
B.Identifying the source of information or a quotation
C.The process of fact-checking before publication
D.The byline naming the story's author
Explanation: Attribution tells readers where information came from, such as 'according to police' or 'the mayor said.' Clear attribution supports credibility and lets readers judge the reliability of the information.
6Which of the following best describes a 'nut graf' in a feature story?
A.The opening anecdote that draws the reader in
B.The list of sources consulted for the story
C.A paragraph that explains the story's central point and why it matters
D.The final line that wraps up the narrative
Explanation: The nut graf (nutshell paragraph) states the story's main point and explains its significance, usually appearing after a narrative or anecdotal lead. It orients readers and tells them why the story is worth their time.
7A reporter is told something 'off the record.' What is the ethically correct action?
A.Publish it immediately since the source already shared it
B.Do not publish that information unless the source later releases it
C.Publish it but attribute it to an anonymous source
D.Share it publicly only if it confirms an existing story
Explanation: 'Off the record' means the information is not for publication. Honoring that agreement maintains trust with sources; the reporter would need the source's permission, or independent confirmation from another source, before publishing.
8Which lead would be considered a 'delayed' or 'soft' lead rather than a summary lead?
A.A sentence packing in the who, what, when, and where
B.A direct statement of the most important fact
C.A scene-setting anecdote that gradually introduces the story's topic
D.A one-line statement of the news outcome
Explanation: A delayed or soft lead opens with an anecdote, description, or scene to engage the reader before reaching the main point, which often appears in a following nut graf. It contrasts with the hard-news summary lead that front-loads the key facts.
9Why do journalists generally seek to verify information with multiple independent sources?
A.To increase the word count of the story
B.To delay publication until a competitor publishes first
C.To avoid having to attribute information at all
D.To confirm accuracy and reduce reliance on any single, possibly biased account
Explanation: Cross-checking facts with multiple independent sources strengthens accuracy and guards against errors or bias from a single source. This verification is a core practice of credible reporting.
10What is the primary purpose of a 'kicker' at the end of a feature story?
A.To summarize the Five Ws for late readers
B.To list the reporter's contact information
C.To leave the reader with a memorable closing thought or image
D.To provide the headline for the next day's story
Explanation: A kicker is a strong, memorable ending, often a quote or vivid image, that gives the story a satisfying conclusion. Unlike hard-news inverted-pyramid endings, feature kickers are crafted to resonate with readers.
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