Study Notes
A news report is a story shared as news about a recent incident from around the world. It includes a headline, introduction, main body, quotations, and conclusion.
- Headline — Grabs the reader's attention and is short and snappy.
Example: Horror Plague Overwhelms Village. - Introduction — The first paragraph that briefly answers what, where, who, and when.
Example: Residents of Samala struggle as massive rodent invasion spreads fear and disease. - Main body — Short paragraphs explaining the event's details, answering how and why questions in past tense.
Example: Local officials reported that thousands of rodents were seen flooding the streets and fields. - Quotations — Statements from eyewitnesses and experts that add credibility, written in direct or reported speech.
Example: "It was like a wave of movement across the fields," said farmer Swetha Manda (32). - Conclusion — Ends the report, mentioning the current situation and future expectations, written in present or future tense.
Example: Officials say the situation is slowly improving, although residents remain anxious.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- A news report is a story shared as news about a recent incident.
- The headline is a short and snappy phrase that grabs attention.
- The introduction answers what, where, who, and when.
- The main body explains how and why in past tense.
- Quotations add credibility using direct or reported speech.
- The conclusion mentions the current situation and future expectations.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the main body with the introduction.
- Using first person instead of third person.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the purpose of a headline?
To grab the reader's attention with a short and snappy phrase. - How should the introduction of a news report be structured?
It should briefly answer what, where, who, and when. - Why is passive voice used in news reports?
To avoid bias and distance the journalist from the source.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the news report structure.
- Ability to use direct and reported speech.
- Use of passive voice and third person perspective.