Introduction to Journalism: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Question 1

Which of the following is a characteristic that is NOT associated with journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Question 2

Which of the following is generally NOT considered an ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Fairness

Question 3

In a democratic society, what is the primary purpose of journalism?

Accepted Answer

To monitor government actions and inform the public

Answer

To criticize the government without holding it accountable

Answer

To represent only the underprivileged and marginalized

Answer

To entertain and distract the public

Question 4

In journalism, objectivity is crucial. Why is this the case?

Accepted Answer

To report news accurately and unbiasedly

Answer

To entertain readers with engaging stories

Answer

To advance a specific political or ideological viewpoint

Answer

To sensationalize events for increased readership

Question 5

In journalism, which ethical principle requires reporters to present information without personal opinions or biases?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Advocacy

Answer

Subjectivity

Question 6

In journalism, what is the main purpose of a watchdog?

Accepted Answer

To ensure government actions align with public interest.

Answer

To report on events without bias or opinion.

Answer

To provide entertainment and appeal to a wide audience.

Question 7

Which journalism style focuses on providing in-depth analysis, commentary, and interpretation of current events?

Accepted Answer

Commentary journalism

Answer

News reporting

Answer

Feature writing

Answer

Sports journalism

Question 8

Which type of journalism delves into significant current events and issues, providing expert insights and contextual analysis?

Accepted Answer

Analytical journalism

Answer

Straight news reporting

Answer

Human interest feature writing

Answer

Opinion-based commentary

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the profession of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Investigating, analyzing, and reporting on factual events

Answer

Creating and sharing made-up stories

Answer

Expressing personal views and opinions

Question 10

In journalism, objectivity is achieved when journalists prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Focusing on factual accuracy and avoiding sensationalism

Answer

Expressing their personal opinions and viewpoints

Answer

Ignoring diverse perspectives and viewpoints

Question 11

In journalism, why is objectivity considered a fundamental principle?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity ensures impartiality and fairness in reporting, minimizing bias.

Answer

Objectivity increases the entertainment value of news stories.

Answer

Objectivity protects journalists from legal consequences.

Answer

Objectivity creates an air of mystery around journalists.

Question 12

How does journalism contribute to the effective functioning of a healthy democracy?

Accepted Answer

Journalism acts as a watchdog, monitoring and reporting on government officials' actions, holding them accountable.

Answer

Journalism serves as a platform for political advertisements and election campaigns only.

Answer

Journalism primarily serves as a source of entertainment for the public.

Question 13

In a democratic society, what is the primary function of journalism in facilitating public discussion?

Accepted Answer

Fostering public engagement in decision-making

Answer

Promoting recreational activities for citizens

Answer

Serving as a marketing tool for businesses

Answer

Providing a platform for personal communication

Question 14

Which ethical principle in journalism prioritizes fairness and impartiality, aiming to reduce bias and personal opinions in reporting?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Partisanship

Answer

Advocacy

Question 15

In the evolving digital media landscape, what key challenges do journalists face in preserving their credibility and gaining public trust?

Accepted Answer

Adopting transparency, fact-checking, and accountability in their reporting.

Answer

Prioritizing sensationalism and clickbait headlines to attract readers.

Answer

Avoiding digital technology and relying solely on print media.

Answer

Relying heavily on official sources and limiting independent reporting.

Question 16

In a democratic society, what is the primary ethical obligation of a journalist?

Accepted Answer

Serve as a watchdog, holding the powerful accountable

Answer

Maximize audience engagement and revenue

Answer

Promote a specific political or social agenda

Answer

Provide entertainment and sensationalized content

Question 17

According to the ethical principles of journalism, what is a journalist's primary duty?

Accepted Answer

Accurately inform the public about current events.

Answer

Entertain the audience with captivating stories.

Answer

Maximize profits for the news organization.

Answer

Promote the agenda of the news organization's owners.

Question 18

What is a defining characteristic of investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

Thorough research and analysis

Answer

Emphasis on entertainment and popular culture

Answer

Sole reliance on official sources

Question 19

To ensure the utmost reliability of their reporting, which of the following actions should journalists prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly verifying facts through multiple independent sources before dissemination.

Answer

Solely relying on official sources, as they are inherently accurate.

Answer

Uncritically accepting eyewitness accounts, assuming their presence guarantees accuracy.

Question 20

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of feature writing in journalism?

Accepted Answer

It aims to both inform and entertain readers.

Answer

Its main goal is to deliver unbiased news.

Answer

It strictly follows a formal and objective writing style.

Answer

It exclusively uses statistical data to convey information.

Question 21

Which of the following is not a recognized form of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Fiction

Answer

News

Answer

Feature writing

Answer

Opinion writing

Question 22

In a democratic society, what is the primary responsibility of journalists?

Accepted Answer

Hold those in power accountable through scrutiny and reporting

Answer

Provide entertainment through captivating stories

Answer

Relay official government messages

Answer

Promote their personal views and beliefs

Question 23

In journalism, what is the fundamental principle of objectivity?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating personal biases and presenting a neutral perspective

Answer

Prioritizing expert opinions and following established guidelines

Answer

Avoiding controversial topics and focusing on uncontroversial subjects

Answer

Presenting all viewpoints equally, regardless of their validity

Question 24

What is the primary ethical responsibility of a journalist?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public about current events, hold the powerful accountable, and promote transparency

Answer

To entertain and provide leisure to the public

Answer

To promote their personal views and opinions

Answer

To prioritize financial gain and generate revenue for media organizations

Question 25

Which characteristic is NOT a key feature of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Timeliness

Question 26

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates journalism from other forms of writing or communication?

Accepted Answer

Upholding accuracy and truthfulness

Answer

Prioritizing entertainment and enjoyment

Answer

Maintaining absolute objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Exclusively reporting sensational or shocking events

Question 27

Why is it crucial for journalists to strive for impartiality and minimize bias in their work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of news as a source of information for society.

Answer

To maintain positive relationships with news sources and gain access to exclusive information.

Answer

To avoid legal liabilities and protect the reputation of the news organization.

Question 28

What is the earliest known form of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Ancient practice of oral storytelling and record-keeping

Answer

Invention of the printing press in the 15th century

Answer

Emergence of handwritten newsletters in the 17th century

Answer

Development of the telegraph in the 19th century

Question 29

Which type of journalism involves thorough investigation, analysis, and the revelation of hidden information or facts?

Accepted Answer

Investigative journalism

Answer

News reporting

Answer

Feature writing

Answer

Opinion writing

Question 30

To ensure the accuracy of their reporting, which step is essential for journalists to follow?

Accepted Answer

Consulting multiple sources and verifying information before reporting

Answer

Relying solely on single sources of information without cross-checking

Answer

Prioritizing speed of publication over thorough fact-checking and accuracy

Question 31

Which ethical principle is essential for journalists to follow?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Partisanship

Answer

Advocacy

Question 32

Which characteristic is NOT a key feature of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Timeliness

Question 33

How does media ownership concentration affect the variety of viewpoints presented in news media? Consider the potential consequences for democratic discourse and public opinion.

Accepted Answer

Media ownership concentration can reduce diversity because large corporations prioritize viewpoints that align with their interests.

Answer

Media ownership concentration increases diversity because different owners have varying interests.

Answer

Media ownership concentration has no impact on diversity because journalists remain independent.

Answer

Media ownership concentration ensures diversity by guaranteeing representation of different voices.

Question 34

How does the prevalence of 'fake news' affect the fundamental principles and practices of journalism?

Accepted Answer

It erodes public trust in the media, undermining journalists' traditional role as gatekeepers of information.

Accepted Answer

It necessitates greater vigilance from journalists in verifying sources and fact-checking stories.

Accepted Answer

It demands the development of new ethical guidelines for journalists to combat the spread of misinformation.

Answer

It has no significant impact on journalism, as the public has always been able to distinguish between true and false information.

Question 35

When balancing the public's right to know with the privacy rights of individuals, ethical journalists should:

Accepted Answer

Weigh the potential harm to individuals' privacy against the public's right to know in each situation.

Answer

Always prioritize the public's right to know.

Answer

Always prioritize the privacy rights of individuals.

Question 36

What is the primary obligation of a journalist?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public

Answer

To entertain the audience

Answer

To promote a particular agenda

Answer

To protect the reputation of the government

Question 37

How do journalists differ from publicists?

Accepted Answer

Journalists report on news events, while publicists promote clients.

Answer

Publicists report on news events, while journalists promote clients.

Answer

Journalists and publicists perform identical functions.

Answer

Journalists are unbiased, while publicists are biased.

Question 38

What is the fundamental purpose of a news article?

Accepted Answer

To objectively inform the public about an event

Answer

To persuade the public to a particular viewpoint

Answer

To entertain the audience

Answer

To sell products or services

Question 39

What is the fundamental role of the media in a democratic society?

Accepted Answer

To hold those in power accountable

Answer

To promote government policies

Answer

To manipulate public opinion

Answer

To restrict the flow of information

Question 40

Journalists face a unique ethical challenge when reporting on social justice and human rights issues. What is this challenge?

Accepted Answer

Balancing unbiased reporting with advocating for important causes

Answer

Finding reliable sources willing to discuss sensitive topics

Answer

Avoiding legal consequences from powerful individuals or organizations

Question 41

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Truthfulness and accuracy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Advocacy

Question 42

The primary responsibility of a journalist is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform the public accurately and objectively

Answer

Advocate for a particular viewpoint

Answer

Entertain the audience

Answer

Influence political decisions

Question 43

The concept of 'gatekeeping' in journalism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process by which editors decide what news to publish or broadcast

Answer

The role of the public in regulating the media

Answer

The legal restrictions on freedom of the press

Answer

The ethical guidelines governing journalists' behaviour

Question 44

Which writing structure is commonly used in news articles?

Accepted Answer

Inverted pyramid

Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Problem-solution

Answer

Compare and contrast

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle of journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and bias

Answer

Truthfulness and accuracy

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Accountability and transparency

Question 46

What is the primary purpose of journalism?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public

Answer

To advocate for specific viewpoints

Answer

To entertain readers and viewers

Answer

To control and influence the audience

Question 47

How do reporters differ from editors in the journalism workflow?

Accepted Answer

Reporters gather and write news stories, while editors review and edit them.

Answer

Editors gather and write news stories, while reporters review and edit them.

Answer

Reporters investigate stories and write them, while editors investigate stories and edit them.

Answer

Editors investigate stories and write them, while reporters investigate stories and edit them.

Question 48

Why is objectivity considered crucial in journalistic practice?

Accepted Answer

It ensures unbiased reporting and prevents personal opinions from influencing news coverage.

Answer

It allows journalists to express their own viewpoints and advocate for their preferred perspectives.

Answer

It makes news more entertaining and engaging for the audience.

Answer

It eliminates the need for fact-checking and verification.

Question 49

How do news stories differ from feature articles in journalism?

Accepted Answer

News stories focus on timely events, while feature articles delve into topics in greater depth.

Answer

Feature articles focus on timely events, while news stories delve into topics in greater depth.

Answer

News stories are objective and factual, while feature articles are subjective and opinion-based.

Answer

Feature articles are objective and factual, while news stories are subjective and opinion-based.

Question 50

In the digital news era, which practice is essential for journalists to ensure ethical and accurate reporting?

Accepted Answer

Verifying information from multiple reliable sources before publishing.

Answer

Prioritizing speed to meet deadlines, even if it compromises accuracy.

Answer

Using sensational headlines to attract readers, regardless of the potential consequences.

Question 51

In journalism, how should the ethical principle of freedom of expression be balanced with the potential impact of harmful content?

Accepted Answer

Weigh the potential consequences and make a balanced decision based on public interest and potential harm.

Answer

Uphold freedom of expression without considering potential consequences.

Answer

Censor any content that might cause offense or discomfort.

Question 52

According to the Code of Conduct of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), what is an ethical practice for journalists?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining impartiality and neutrality

Answer

Accepting gifts and favors from sources

Answer

Plagiarizing the work of other journalists

Answer

Fabricating stories and information

Question 53

What is the journalist's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public

Answer

To promote the interests of certain groups

Answer

To entertain the audience

Answer

To sell newspapers or generate revenue

Question 54

What is the purpose of the inverted pyramid structure in news writing?

Accepted Answer

To present the most important information first

Answer

To keep readers engaged throughout the story

Answer

To make it easier for journalists to write the story

Answer

To reduce the length of the article

Question 55

What is the term for a group of journalists who specialize in investigating and reporting on a specific topic?

Accepted Answer

Investigative team

Answer

Assignment desk

Answer

Newsroom team

Answer

Editorial board

Question 56

Which of the following is a core ethical principle guiding journalism?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy and fairness

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Political bias

Answer

Subjectivity

Question 57

What is the primary function of journalists?

Accepted Answer

To inform the public

Answer

To entertain audiences

Answer

To advocate for specific causes

Answer

To promote commercial products

Question 58

Which type of journalism involves in-depth research and analysis?

Accepted Answer

Investigative journalism

Answer

Breaking news reporting

Answer

Opinion writing

Answer

Sports coverage

Question 59

What significant impact did the Leveson Inquiry have on British journalism?

Accepted Answer

It led to the implementation of independent press regulation

Answer

It absolved the British press of all ethical concerns

Answer

It banned the practice of phone hacking

Answer

It introduced strict censorship laws

Question 60

How do facts differ from opinions in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Facts are objectively verifiable, while opinions are subjective and personal

Answer

Opinions are supported by evidence, while facts are not

Answer

Facts and opinions hold equal validity in journalistic reporting

Answer

There is no distinction between facts and opinions in journalism

Question 61

What role does media literacy play in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the public's ability to critically evaluate media content

Answer

Educating journalists on ethical reporting

Answer

Promoting freedom of the press

Answer

Regulating the media industry

Question 62

In journalism, what are the ethical implications of using AI and machine learning tools? Consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Accepted Answer

Increased objectivity and reduced human error

Accepted Answer

Potential bias and displacement of human journalists

Question 63

How have the internet's widespread accessibility and the rise of social media platforms influenced the roles and duties of professional journalists?

Accepted Answer

Increased competition

Accepted Answer

Weakened gatekeeping role

Accepted Answer

Expanded reach to diverse audiences

Answer

Reduced accountability

Question 64

In journalism, which ethical principle emphasizes presenting information fairly and without bias?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Partisanship