MCM614 Final term paper Subjective MCQ

MSc Mass Communication

Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
1
1 Social and cultural sources of features are;
T One dimensional
T Two dimensional
T Three dimensional
P Multi-dimensional
2 Which types of features are used along with;
P Foreign
T Alien
T Native
T Local
3 Which of the following add vigour and colour to the writing in order to make
features as interesting as possible?
P Intros
T Paragraphs
T End
T Story
4 Features are actually_____________
P News story
T Simple story
T Comedy story
T Story
5 Which of the following does not make feature more acceptable
T Use of picture
T Attractive headlines
T Constructive approach
P Difcult language
6 A feature bears close similarities to which of the following
P News-story
T Article
T Column
T Interviews
7 Which of the given usually covers all underlying causes as well as background of
the news-story
T Article
T Column
T Interviews
P Feature
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
2
8 When was the famous Steiner cartoon published in the New York?
T July 4, 1993
P July 5, 1993
T July 7, 1993
T July 3, 1993
9 Asking question to obtain information refers to which of the following?
T Feature
P Interviews
T Column
T Article
10 If the feature writer tries the conclusion to lead then the story has
P Unity
T Disarray
T Confusion
T Dismay
11 If feature writer can write on social issues better, then he must attempt which of
the following subjects in the best way?
T Political subjects
P Social subjects
T Educational subjects
T Biased subjects
12 The famous Steiner cartoon was published in the
P New Yorker
T Dawn
T The Pioneer
T The Post
13 Which of the following thing makes feature more acceptable to the readers?
T Difcult language
T Complexity
T Density
P Attractive Headlines
14 Features often have more
T News lead
P Novelty lead
T Reporting lead
T Anecdote
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
3
15 The name for those articles, published and given under the editorial page, which
may consist of a leading article and other small articles is called
T Column
P Feature
T Editorial
T Novel
16 “One picture is worth 10,000 words.” where this proverb belongs to
P China
T Germany
T Spain
T Japan
17 The popularity of the ................ makes it the perfect venue for commercial and
sociopolitical publishing.
P Internet
T Computer
T Monitor
T Central processing unit
18 All of the given are the criteria for the selection of pictures Except:
T Related to the subject
T Arousing interest
T Bringing beauty to the pages
P Ambiguity
19 One of the following comprises newspapers periodicals, journals, magazines,
publicity, advertising, bulletins, catalogues. Which is that?
T Broadcasted material
T Telecasted material
T Researched material
P Printed material
20 Feature writers usually strike which of the following in the opening sentences,
which permit the reader to come into quick contact with the crux of the story, and
arouse interest?
P Keynote
T News
T Catch lines
T Slug
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
4
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10
21 Printed material may not comprise of:
T Newspapers
T Journals
T Bulletins
P Broad casting
22 Which kind of sentences are uses in features?
T Long
T Short
P Simple
T Difcult
23 Which of the following consists usually of a short, snappy sentence set oﬀ in a
paragraph by itself with the summary of other facts in the second paragraph, and
used when you have one fact that is extremely important or startling?
T Back ground intros
T Exclamatory intros
T Quotation intros
P Astonishes intros
24 Which of the following is not a search engine?
T Google
T Yahoo
P Microsoft
T Facebook
25 The intros in which background overshadows the individuals who participate in it
is called ...............
T Exclamatory intros
T Direct quotation intros
P Background intros
T Question intros
26 The news-story is written in a cold and ............ manner.
T Simple
P Logical
T Normal
T Hard
27 In journalism, when the term, as ‘slanting’ a feature is used?
P Feature is written according to the editorial policy
T Feature is written according to the writer’s own choice
T Feature is written according to the reader’s interest
T Feature is written according to the culture of the country

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
5
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10
28 Which of the following approach is used by a good feature writer who can make
use of any of the feld of science and technology in simple style?
P Positive
T Negative
T Neutral
T Flexible
29 Which are the objectives of editorials?
P Instruct and educate
T Inform and entertain
T Instruct
T To increase pressure
30 As compared to .................... , a feature is expanded beyond the basic fact rather is
fully supplemented with greater info
T Article
T Column
P News-story
T Interviews
31 Which one of the following readers is expecting after the main body?
T Words
T Composition
P Climax
T Errors
32 Social and Cultural based features can bring out the salient features of the two
social systems, that is the East and which of the following is other?
T North
T South
P West
T North East
33 In which of the following year the new ordinance for the procurement of the
declaration was made easy?
P 1988
T 1998
T 2001
T 2008
34 Which of the following is written in a cold and logical manner?
T Novel
T Feature
T Column
P News-story

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
6
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10
35 Which of the given should be used as a portion that is building the feature towards
the climax?
P Main body
T Conclusion
T Lead
T Transition
36 Which one is of the most important area of human development?
T Communication
P Language
T Knowledge
T Learning
37 Features often do not carry which of the following lead?
T Human interest lead
P News lead
T Anecdote
T Novelty lead
38 Simply means closeness to your readers.
P Proximity
T Timeliness
T Unusualness
T Prominence
39 Comics______ crosswords and features are extremely important to readers.
T Stories
T News
P Column
T All of the above
40 In the usage of Alaamti pictures which of the following can be used for good eﬀect
in features?
P Sketches
T Maps
T Illustrations
T Clips
41 Which one of the following is not a characteristic of feature?
T Novelty
T Simplicity
T Pictorial importance
P Message

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
7
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10
42 The features should have attractive ___________, which add to the beauty of the
feature as well as gather the attention of the readers.
T Font
P Headlines
T Style
T Paragraphs
43 Jack Woodford, a successful pulp novelist and non-fction author, gives over
____________weight age to the pictures.
T 20%
T 30%
P 50%
T 100%
44 Which of the following in the feature has sound knowledge of the subject, coupled
with good writing skills and take the reader through a variety of experiences?
P Body
T Intro
T Lead
T End
45 The interview is done for a celebrity or well-known person to obtain facts of
personality, his interests, life and activities refers to which of the following type?
T Opinionated interview
T Telephonic interview
P Personality interview
T Informative interview
46 Which one of the given type of question often is coupled with a probe question?
P Mirror question
T Probe question
T Loaded question
T Close-ended question
47 Features are not only mobilising the ___________, but also motivate them to
think sympathetically and patriotically about their local, provincial and national
problems.
P Public opinion
T Public attitude
T Public estimation
T Public guess

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
8
48 The new age of scientifc and technological inventions and discoveries has
drastically altered the style of life and living, resulting in social problems of
adjustment, mental and cultural gaps these relates to which of the following:
P Psychological Features
T Social Features
T Science Feature
T Radio Features
49 Interviews for newspapers or magazines can be conducted in person, by
telephone, email, in a group or by letter is :
P In-person interview
T Telephonic n interview
T Personality interview
T Informative interview
50 Collection of relevant data and material from diﬀerent sources as an interview,
books periodical, magazines reference books and various other sources are
required for writing ....................
T Column
T News
T News Story
P Feature
51 In feature writing the paragraphs should be ...........................
T Long
P Short
T Avioded
T Extensive
52 Through which of the following policy the pictures and illustrations are selected for
feature writing?
T Column Policy
T Feature Policy
P Editorial Policy
T Newspaper Policy
53 Features are not only mobilizing the ___________, but also motivate them to
think sympathetically and patriotically about their local, provincial and national
problems
P Public opinion
T Public attitude
T Public estimation
T Public guess
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
9
42 Atmosphere intros consist of words or phrases that help to portray the setting or
mood for a ___________.
T Editor
T Writer
P Reader
T Advertiser
43 Benjamin Whorf defned Language as ............................
T Language is the light of the mind.
P Language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one’s
perception of reality.
T A systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or
conventional symbols
T A language is a system of visual, auditory, or tactile symbols of
communication and
44 What does giving turn or twist to the subject as per the editorial policy termed as
P Slanting or angling
T Twisting
T Turning
T Moulding
QUIZ # 1 > Lectures 1 - 10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
10

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
11
1 Features writer should meet the demand of
T Speaker
P Reader
T Listener
T All of above
2 Blundell has these key blocks that he would use in his features articles Except
T History
T Scope
T Cause
P Odds
3 If there is a read to re-write the story than it must be done by eliminating the
following writing faults Excepts:
T Stodginess
T Verbosity
T Circumfocusion
P Obtaining facts
4 The short pieces of writing can be highlighted with which of the following to make
it more interesting?
P Quotation
T Good Pictures
T Reference
T Orientation
5 Many times it happens that one newspaper has rejected a particular feature. While
the other has Published it. What is the reason behind it?
T Fairouritism of specifc writers
P Diﬀerence in the editorial policy
T Biasness
T Inccrisistancy in management
6 Which of the following are the great staples for the newspaper and magazine
writer?
T Sidebars and profles
T Sidebars and series
T Profles and series
P Sidebars, Profles and Series
7 Which kind of feature do not liked among readers?
T Fantastic T Historical features
T Feature
P Dull feature
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
12
8 Who present this defnitions? “A certain type of writing under a permanent
caption”
P Prof Maskeen Ali Hijazi
T Prof Shafque Jhaildarichari
T Dr Abdus Salam Khurshid
T All of the above
9 Who says this? “The most important things in the story is fnding the central idea”
P Journalists
T Producers
T Directors
T Writers
10 In features, writers must be following which one for making the details of the
feature concrete, actual and solid?
T Transition
T Body copy
P Lead
T Conclusion
11 There is a greater freedom of writing in
T Columns
P Features
T News
T Editorial
12 If 32.56 per cent of students ﬂunked the fnal exam, it’d be perfectly fne to say that
“about one in three students failed to make the grade”. This refers to:
T Relativity
T Accurateness
P Rounding Oﬀ
T Precision
13 Which type of approach is used by the columnist while writing a column?
T Advocacy
T Social mobilization
P Creative approach
T Social Marketing
14 Which one of the following considered the powerful medium of any newspaper?
T Feature
T News
T Event
P Column
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
13
15 Good writing is something that can be observed, learnt and
P Repeated
T Forwarded
T Concluded
T Decided
16 Who says this? “The most important thing in the story is fnding the central idea’
P Journalists
T Producers
T Directors
T Writers
17 Column has been described as an editorial with a _________ by the journalists.
P By-line
T Catch line
T Slug
T Clichés
18 A local resident who has the country’s largest private collection of antique
automobiles is the example of
T Historical story
T Participatory story
P Hobbyist story
T Overview story
19 Which one of the following is writing style of feature?
T Narrative style
T Simple style
T Dramatic style
P All of the above
20 All of the given are diﬀerent problems facing by the regular columns Except:
T Less material
T They are constrained to write run-of-the-mill ideas
T Slackness hits
P Firmness
21 Which of the given is not a reader’s constraint?
T Reader is running short of time
P He wants to read interesting and short stories
T He needs a break from usual staﬀ
T He wants to spend free time
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
14
22 Features began to assume their modern form in the “Penny Press” in which of the
following years?
P 1830s
T 1840s
T 1850s
T 1860s
23 The columnist always keeps their intact by & discussing the subjects from
divergent angles.
T Diversity in thought
P Individuality
T Versatility
T Flexibility
24 Column rating is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires
P Good thinking
T Bad thinking
T Good speaking
T Writing
25 Where was the Penny Press existed?
T France
P United States
T England
T Germany
26 Which of the following is the characteristic of eliminating writing faults in story?
T Obtaining facts
T Building suspense
T Understanding the human interest story
P Abstractness
27 20,000 words convert to about .............. column inches.
T 200
T 800
P 400
T 100
28 Which kinds of articles are considered to be cumbersome for the readers to read?
P Long
T Short
T Simple
T Very long
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
15
29 The name for those articles, published and given under the editorial page, which
may consist of a leading article and other small articles is called ______________.
T Column
T Feature
P Editorial
T Novel
30 If feature writer can write on social issues better, then he must attempt which of
the following subjects in the best way?
T Political subjects
P Social subjects
T Educational subjects
T Biased subjects
31 ___________ simply means closeness to your readers.
P Proximity
T Timeliness
T Unusualness
T Prominence
32 News stories are supposed to be ___________.
P Objective
T Point
T Subjective
T Biased
33 Which was assigned to Wilson for coverage?
T Wedding
T Birthday
P Funeral
T Inauguration
34 Which one of the following is something that ends your story with a punch?
T Explanation
P Conclusion
T Example
T News
35 The short pieces of writing can be highlighted with which of the following to make
it more interesting?
P Quotation
T Good Pictures
T Reference
T Orientation
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
16
36 Columnists have become an important ingredient of the _________journalism.
T Scientifc
P Political
T Neutral
T Fundamental
37 A paragraph that explains your entire article in a nutshell is called as:
T Main body
T Lead
P Nut graph
T Conclusion
38 Collection of relevant data and material from diﬀerent sources as an interview,
books, periodical, magazines reference books and various other sources are
required for which type of writing?
T Column
T News
T News story
P Feature
39 Which of the following term refers to universality in feature writing?
T Timeliness
T Unusualness
T Prominence
P Importance
40 Present-day columns are mostly ____________.
T Social
P Political
T Communal
T Entertaining
41 On which of the following Present-day journalism is giving huge importance?
T Writing
T Spelling
P Pictures, illustrations, maps etc
T All of the above
42 Bertelsmann is the one ................. in the frst tier of media giants
T Chinese frm
P European frm
T Indian frm
T Pakistani frm
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
17
43 What is the other name of intro?
P Lead
T Body
T Transition
T Conclusion
44 People who have suﬀered diseases as a result of smoking refer to which of the
following approach?
T Explanatory pieces
T Issues and Trends
T Investigative
P Profle
45 Which quality a writer should possess to cope up with broad range of stories?
P Versatility
T Abstraction
T Precision
T Vagueness
46 Which of the following trend is avoided of for gainning the interest of the reader in
your feature?
T Slug
T Headlines
T Bylines
P Clichés
47 The popularity of the columnists can be attributed to the fact that is
T Limitation of thought
T Self perception
T Point of view
P Diversity of thought
48 The editors are giving more space to the columnists on pages especially ?
P Op-Ed
T Editorial
T Showbiz
T City news
49 Which one of the following is very powerful source of features?
P Human interest or value
T Internet
T Books
T Places
QUIZ # 2 > Lectures 10 - 22

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
18
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
1. Which term refers to the closeness to the readers?
P Proximity
T Timeliness
T Unusualness
T Prominence
2. A person washed the outside windows of the city’s tallest building. Which kind of
feature story covers such topics?
T The frst person story
T News story
P The odd occupation story
T Profle story
3. In feature, the size of the pictures and illustration should be according the design
of _______.
T Newspaper
T Magazine
P Page
T Novels
4. The name for those articles, published and given under the editorial page, which
may consist of a leading article and other small articles is called_____.
T Column
T Feature
P Editorial
T Novel
5. PR Solves problems on the principle of “Learn---Feel----Do”. What kind of change is
involved in “Feel”?
P Opinion Change
T Societal Change
T Behavioral change
T Personality change
6. In which of the following year the news ordinance for the procurement of the
declaration was made easy?
P 1988
T 1998
T 2003
T 2008

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
19
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
7. In features, Writers must be following which one for making the details of feature
concrete, actual and solid?
T Transition
T Body copy
P Lead
T Conclusion
8. Which of the following is relatively personalized form of journalism reminiscent of
the past traditions and practices in the sub-continent?
P Column
T Feature
T Editorials
T Article
9. Which one of the following is writing style of feature?
T Narrative style
T Simple style
T Dramatic style
P All of the above
10. Due to ignorance of which one of the following writers fail in slanting the features?
T Feature content
P Editorial policy
T Composition
T Sentence making
11. “One picture is worth 10,000 words” where this proverb belongs to?
P China
T Germany
T Spain
T Japan
12. Comics,_____, crosswords and features are extremely important to readers.
T Stories
T News
P Column
T All of the above
13. Which kind of picture should be used in features?
P Clear
T Pretty old
T Blamed
T Dirty

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
20
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
14. Which of the following is used in features simply as a matter of reducing a
potentially large quantity of material into digestible components?
T Ideas
P Focus
T Facts
T Particulars
15. Who can bring changes in editorial policy?
T Columnist
T Journalist
P Editors
T Persons
16. Which types of pictures are used along with local features?
T Foreign
T Alien
T Native
P Local
17. Which are the objectives of editorials?
T Inform and educate
P Instruct and entertain
T Instruct
T To increase pressure
18. While cropping pictures, or cutouts, extra spaces should be flled with ________.
T Manuscripts
P Text
T Cartoons
T Sketches
19. All of the given are the criteria for the selection of pictures expect:
T Related to the subject
T Arousing interest
T Bringing beauty to the pages
P Ambiguity
20. Many times it happens that one newspaper has rejected a particular feature. While
the other has published it. What is the reason behind it?
T Favoritisms of specifc writers
P Diﬀerence in the editorial policy
T Biasness
T Inconsistency in management

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
21
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
21. About the eﬀorts to relocate endangered species refer to which type of story?
T Number story
P Overview story
T Participatory story
T Hobbyist story
22. Features writer should meet the demand of ______.
T Speaker
P Reader
T Listener
T All of the above
23. Which kind of feature do not liked among readers?
T Fantastic feature
T Historical feature
T Feature
P Dull feature
24. All of the given are the criteria for the selection of pictures except:
T Related to the subject
T Arousing interest
T Bringing beauty to the pages
P Ambiguity
25. This of the following is a uniform approach to punctuation, capitalization,
abbreviation. Tittles and, in some cases, spelling?
T Front
T Body
P Style
T Content
26. In the usage of Alaamti pictures which of the following can be used for good eﬀect
in features.
P Sketches
T Maps
T Illustrations
T Clips
27. _______ consists of bare and hard facts and presented similarly without any kind of
addition or alteration.
T Column
T Article
P News
T Editorial

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
22
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
28. In journalism, when the term as ‘slanting’ a feature is used?
P Feature is written according to the editorial policy
T Feature is written according to the writers own choice
T Feature is written according to the readers interest
T Feature is written according to the culture of the country
29. Which of the following term refers to universality in features writing?
T Timeliness
T Unusualness
T Prominence
P Importance
30. Jack Woodford, a successful pulp novelist and non-fction author, gives over _____
weight age to the pictures.
T 20%
T 30%
P 50%
T 100%
31. Features began to assume their modern form in the “penny press” in which of the
following years.
P 1830s
T 1840s
T 1850s
T 1860s
32. The features can be written on ever-green subjects like all of the given Expect:
T Health
T Family
T Industry
P Lethargy
33. If feature writer can write on social issues better, then he must attempt which of
the following subjects in the best way?
T Political subjects
P Social subjects
T Educational subjects
T Biased subjects
34. Through which of the following policy the pictures and illustrations are selected for
features writing?
T Column policy
T Feature policy
P Editorial policy
T Newspaper policy

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
23
QUIZ # 2 > Spring 2017
35. Feature writer must consider all the given thing in making of the feature according
to the editorial policy of particular newspaper except:
T Length
T Pictures
P Format
T Topic
36. There is a greater freedom of writing in _______.
T Columns
P Features
T News
T Editorial
37. The name of those articles, published and given under the editorial page, Which
consist of a leading article and other small articles is,
T Column
T Features
P Editorial
T Novel
38. Which of the following is the characteristic of eliminating writing faults in story?
T Obtaining facts
T Building suspense
T Understanding the human interest story
P Abstractness
39. Which one of the following is right meaning of stodginess?
T Happiness
T Funny
P Boring
T Dull
40. Where was the penny press existed?
T France
P United states
T England
T Germany
41. Collection of relevant data and material from diﬀerent sources as an interview,
books, periodical, magazines reference books and various other sources are
required for which type of writing?
T Column
T News
T News story
P Feature

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
24
QUIZ # 3 > Lectures 16 - 26
1 This is a simple outline of the Blundell Technique Except:
T Nut Graph
T Main Body
T Conclusion
P Head line
2 Urdu feature is catching up fast with the trends of journalism.
T Tamil
P English
T Hindi
T Single
3 Present-day columns are mostly
T Social
P Political
T Communal
T Entertaining
4 Columnists can improve their writing by all of the following options Except:
T Use of Humour
T Expressing private thoughts
T Personalising their column
P Friendly atmosphere
5 Which type of column handles editorial subjects of lesser importance and deals
with each in a paragraph or two?
P Standard Column
T The Middle Column
T The Hodge-Podge Column
T Editorial Column
6 Which quality a writer should possess to cope up with broad range of stories?
P Versatility
T Abstraction
T Precision
T Vagueness
7 Which type of aaproach is used by the columnist while writing a column’?
T Advocacy
T Social mobilization
P Creative approach
T Social Marketing

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
25
QUIZ # 3 > Lectures 16 - 26
8 Who present this defnition? “A certain type of writing under a permanent caption”
P Prof Maskeen Ali Hijazi
T Prof Shafque Jhallandhari
T Dr Abdus Salem- Khurshid
T All of the above
9 Columns are written on which kind of subjects?
P Political subjects
T Social subjects
T Religious subjects
T Multitude subjects
10 The columns are written by those who have vast experience information,
knowledge and keen observation in attractive and alluring style of writing.
P Journalist
T Feature writers
T Editors
T Reporters
11 If the feature writer is not showing accuracy in facts and fgures then he lose his
greatest asset named as:
T Meticulousness
T Honesty
T Exactitude
P Credibility
12 Column may include in its range the following given options Except:
T Humour
T Criticism
T Judgements
P Indistinct
13 Which types of columns are generally limited and confned to a single subject or
topic, with the underlying purpose to render better and detailed service to the
subject or topic under study and examination?
P Specialized Columns
T The Middle Column
T The Hodge-Podge Column
T Editorial Column

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
26
QUIZ # 3 > Lectures 16 - 26
14 In which of the following type of columns current news events are related to the
past and also to the future?
P Reporting-in-Depth Columns
T Gossip Columns
T Essay Columns
T Personality Diary Columns
15 Who among the following do not use unifed style of column writing?
T Sports columnist
T Religious columnists
T Political columnists
P Editorial writers
16 The editors are giving more space to the columnists on pages especially?
P Op-Ed
T Editorial
T Showbiz
T City news
17 The editors are giving more space to the columnists on pages especially
P Journalists
T Producers
T Directors
T Writers
18 Which of the following type of columns include commentary and criticism on
books, Criticism columns on flms and theatre, columns on performs in sports,
columns on the study of the impending and actual changes it diﬀerent walks of life
etc?
T Specialized columns
T Gossip columns
P Miscellaneous columns
T Standard columns
19 Urdu columnists are using their columns as a popularity
T Symbol
P Tool
T Report
T Account

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
27
QUIZ # 3 > Lectures 16 - 26
20 Which one of the following is not a reader’s constraint?
T Reader is running short of time
P He wants to read interesting and short stories
T He needs a break from usual staﬀ
T He wants to spend free time
21 A paragraph that explains your entire in a nutshell is called:
T Main body
T Lead
P Nut graph
T Conclusion
22 What is the other name of intro?
P Lead
T Body
T Transition
T Conclusion
23 Columnists have become an important ingredient of ……….journalism.
T Scientifc
P Political
T Neutral
T Fundamental
24 Column has been described as an editorial with a ……. by the journalists.
P By-line
T Catch line
T Slug
T Clichés
25 The columnists always keep their ……intact by discussing the subject from
divergent angles.
T Diversity in thought
P Individuality
T Versatility
T Flexibility
26 Which of the following trend is avoid of for gaining interest of the reader in your
future?
T Slug
P Headlines
T Bylines
T Cliches

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Old Quiz Feature & Column Writing
28
1 Wars launched for the territorial integrity of Pakistan, struggle for ideological
integrity and the forecasts of the impending dangers etc. comes in the category of
which of them?
T Science
P Commemoration
T Psychological Feature
T Instructional Features
2 AltaVista or InfoSeek are available on the Internet for information fnding refers to
which of the following?
P Search engines
T Wikipedia
T Blogs
T Yahoo Directory
3 Which of the following reminds us that information is rarely neutral?
P Bias (Point of View)
T Prejudice
T Favoritism
T Preconception
4 In body language, erect posture shows:
T You’re threatening
T You’re lazy
T You’re Friendly
P You re alert
5 The important diﬀerence between magazine and newspaper interview is that the
typical newspaper feature interview may be somewhat less thorough because the
newspaper writer frequently faces an imminent _____________.
P Deadline
T Target
T Goal
T Extension
6 The intro that appeals to the readers, add colour to the writing and used when
the purpose of your intro is to provoke the reader’s interest refers to which of the
following:
P Novelty intro
T Developed intro
T Spanking intro
T Pristine intro

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 Old Quiz
Feature & Column Writing
29
7 Which of the following makes the reader to continue reading the feature?
P Body
T Intro
T Closing paragraph
T Transition
8 Which of the following refers to Stodginess in feature rewriting?
P Cliches
T Verbosity
T Circumstances
T Abstractness
9 The features can be written on ever-green subjects like all of the given Except:
T Health
T Family
T Industry
P Lethargy
10 A person washed the outside windows of the city’s tallest building. Which kind of
feature story covers such topics?
T The frst person story
T News story
P The odd occupation story
T Profle story
11 What is the other name of intro?
P Lead
T Body
T Transition
T Conclusion
12 Which of the following has been described as an editorial with a by-line by the
journalists?
P Column
T Feature
T Article
T Interview
13 Column-writing includes all of the following, Except:
T Anecdotes
T Short essays
T Reviews
P Articles

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Old Quiz Feature & Column Writing
30
14 In which of the following type of columns current news events are related to the
past and also to the future?
P Reporting-in-Depth Columns
T Gossip Columns
T Essay Columns
T Personality Diary Columns
15 The underlying point in the feature writing is the skill and ability to write with
which of the following appeal?
P Imaginative appeal
T Emotional appeal
T Logical appeal
T Invention appeal
16 “The features are literally and fguratively a composition of superb beauty, with
unique and excellent style of writings, on which the whole sub-structure of a
newspaper stands solidly”. It refers to which of the following?
T Striking Features
T Article
P Attractive prose pieces
T Quotations
17 All of the following tools are used to keep the readers’ interest intact in features,
Except:
T Pictures
T Maps
T Comments
P Vagueness
18 If the feature writer is not showing accuracy in facts and fgures then he/she loses
his greatest asset named as:
T Meticulousness
T Honesty
T Exactitude
P Credibility
19 Which of the following type of columns include commentary and criticism on
books, criticism columns on flms and theatre, columns on performance in sports,
columns on the study of the impending and actual changes in the diﬀerent walks
of life etc.?
T Specialized Columns
T Gossip Columns
P Miscellaneous Columns
T Standard Columns

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 Old Quiz
Feature & Column Writing
31
20 When we say that Cut-and-dry news story in feature writing, the word Cut stands for
P Two things frst based on facts, and secondly, separated from the original stories.
T Based on facts
T Separated from the original stories
T The opinion of Writer
21 In how many major portions structure of feature can be divided?
T Two
P Three
T Four
T Six
22 How many rules of thumb to avoid making mistakes are there?
T One
T Six
P Three
T Eight
23 News is an .................................. or happening.
T Art
P Event
T Spell
T Cast

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
MIDTERM (Fall 2016) > Quiz - Q&A Feature & Column Writing
32
1 The functions do not include which of the following?
T Instruction
T Guidance
T Entertainment
P Training
2 The problems in the industrial units, individual and social problems, mental
and cultural complicities, individual and family problems and numerous allied
compliexities relate to which of the following?
P Psychological problems
T Emotional Problems
T Dietary problems
T Neroloical problems
3 Which of the following is major criterion used in evaluating information?
P Authorship
T Scepticism
T Blog
T Biasness
4 Feature writer use specifc nouns, adjectives, and verbs to create images, sounds,
and feelings for the reader.
T Vague
P Vivid
T Blurred
T Hazy
5 Which of the following intros consist of short exclamatory sentences frequently set
oﬀ in a paragraph, and is used for extremely striking information, often of big news
in features?
P Exclamatory intros
T Punch intros
T Background intros
T Direct quotation intros
6 Which of the following in the feature has sound knowledge of the subject, coupled
with good writing skills and take the reader through a variety of experiences?
P Body
T Intro
T Lead
T End

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 MIDTERM (Fall 2016) > Quiz - Q&A
Feature & Column Writing
33
7 One picture is worth 10,000 words.” This proverb helps to explain the popular of
news pictures.
P Appeal
T Idea
T Proposal
P Scheme
8 Feature writer must consider all of the given things in making of the feature
according to the editorial policy of particular newspaper Except:
T Length
T Pictures
P Format
T Topic
9 The features can be written on ever-green subjects like all of the given Except:
T Health
T Family
T Industry
P Lethargy
10 A kind of description that evokes . is encouraged in a feature story.
T Sensationalism
T Scandalizing
P Imagination
T New trends
11 Which of the following is relatively personalized form of journalism reminiscent of
past traditions and practices in the sub-continent?
P Column
T Feature
T Editorial
T Article
12 People who have suﬀered diseases as a result of smoking refer to which of the
following approach?
T Explanatory pieces
T Issues and Trends
T Investigative
P Profle
13 A paragraph that explains your entire article in a nutshell is called as:
T Main body
T Lead
P Nut graph
T Conclusion

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
MIDTERM (Fall 2016) > Quiz - Q&A Feature & Column Writing
34
14 What is the other name of column-writing used as one of the most satisfying and
rewarding journalistic exercise?
T Development journalism
P Personalised journalism
T Investigative reporting
T Development communication
15 Features that are written on certain social, cultural and economic problems which
have aroused considerable public interest are based on which of the following
subjects:
T Ever-green subjects
P Divergent subjects
T Science subjects
T Contradictory subjects
16 At a magazine of a newspaper, usually the editors will allow a writer to pick stories
because they don’t want writer’s spending months on material they don’t like is
stated by:
T Edward Armstrong
T John Palvik
P Madeleine Blais
T Benjamin Whorf
17 As the reader is running short time, he is only interested in reading those articles,
features or news items, which are:
P Short
T Long
T Extented
T Absolute
18 If the feature writer is not showing accuracy in facts and fgures then he/she lose
his greatest asset named as:
T Meticulousness
T Honesty
T Exactitude
P Credibility
19 Which of the fact contributes to the popularity of the columnist?
T Limitation of thought
T Self perception
T Point of view
P Diversity of thought

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 MIDTERM (Fall 2016) > Quiz - Q&A
Feature & Column Writing
35
20 Urdu columnist are treating the subjects in such a way that these are liked by large
number of readers. This approach refers to which of the following:
T Detestation
T Ostracized
P Popular themes
T Subject matter
21 Which of the following type of columns include commentary and criticism on
books, criticism columns on flms and theatre, columns on performance in sports,
columns on the study of the impending and actual changes in the diﬀerent walks
of life etc.?
T Specialized Columns
T Gossip Columns
P Miscellaneous Columns
T Standard Columns
22 Which type of features comprises personalities connected and related to freedom,
specially their achievements?
T Science
P Commemoration
T Psychological
T Instructional
23 Reduction of family size, structure and nature of families in the past and the
present conditions can be covered under which category?
P Social
T Electronics
T History
T Investigational
24 The functions of the feature do not include which of the following:
T Instructions
T Guidance
T Entertainment
P Training

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
MIDTERM (Fall 2016) > Quiz - Q&A Feature & Column Writing
36

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
37
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
Column is an editorial written by a journalist with a by-line. They are written on
diﬀerent issues ranging from economic to social, education, health, governance and
political issues. It is not necessary that the written colum reﬂects the editorial policy of
the newspaper and it shows diversity in media.
Name any 10 types of columns?
1. Reporting-in-Depth Columns
2. “I Think” or Opinionated Columns
3. Gossip Columns
4. Humorous Columns
5. Personality Diary Columns
6. Political columns
7. Editorial Column
8. Specialized Columns
9. How- to-do or Advice Columns
10. Literary Columns
1. Reporting-in-Depth Columns
This column is written on events which are part of hard news such as politics,
economics, international relations, war, welfare and scientifc developments. The
purpose is to provide indepth details and diﬀerent perspectives of the past or current
events.
2. “I Think” or Opinionated Columns
This column is based on the opinion. The writre has extensive training or long time
observation on issues. After indepth analysis they point out the reasons and soultions
of the issues.
3. Gossip Columns
Gossip means casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people
which are not confrmed as true. Daily newspapers do not publish gossip columns.
Mostly they are written on showbiz or sports celebrities, their scandals and highlights
inside stories which might not be confrmed but create interest and excitement.
4. Humorous Columns
To immuse readers the writer record the humor in everyday life before it is forgotton.
Normally people do not notice the funny things happen to them. These stories are
based on daily life and happen to everyone. They use humur to show that someone or
something is foolish.
5. Personality Diary Columns
The column narrates the interesting incidents of well know personalities. The explain
how unexpectedly this happen and what was their reaction.
6. Political Columns
It is an extension of the standard column and considered to be serious in nature. It is
written in support of the editorial policy of the newspapers to pursuade people. It is the
most read columns by people.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
38
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
7. Editorial Column
An editorial column is written by the editor or editorial staﬀ of the newspaper or
publication which shares the publication’s views or opinions on a topic. Standard
columns are objective and focus on facts but this column carry srong opinions of the
newspaper on issues. Every newpaper has editorial board to review the topics in news
and inform their point of view to its readers.
8. Specialized Columns
These columns are limited to a single subject and throw light on questions and issues
related to it. It icludes “Legal Column” which dessiminate information on legal issue
people face on daily basis and provide advices. Religious Column for religious matters,
Astrology, Fashion, Medical, Human Resources, Personality Development, Children
columns and many more. They are written in simple language. We can say them
professional columns also.
9. How- to-do or Advice Columns
Advice Column is a part of newspaper or magazine in which advice is given to its
readers on their personal or social issues. Instructions are given in a gentle way to
educate the people and help them to overcome their problems.
10. Literary Columns
Now a days we see good nubmer of column written of literacy and educaitonal
problems in and ourside the country. They highlights the current trend and activities on
national and international level. Promote library and reading books to enrich the reader
and help in developing literary taste.
To write these columns you have have that type of qualities and wider knowledge of
life and letters. Not every journalist can do this. To review or appreciate any piece of
creative work youmust know the persons past work and able to comapre with other
creative persons of the same group.
Write the importance of unusualness for feature writers?
Human interest and feature writing are close to each other. It is hard to defne human
interest because most feature writer’s stories are unusual about kids, animals and
human emotions/feelings which have automatic human-interest value. Therefore, if
a writer wants to write a man’s profle whose aim is to trap or free birds for a living,
perhaps you have a suitably unusual story for broad reader appeal which itself has
great importance.
You can write a feature without human interest, conﬂict, prominence, and unusualness,
but it’ll not be so interesting if your feature does not have these qualities. A dull feature
does not appeal to the readers except the subject of the article. Though, unusualness
is very important to the feature writer. For example, a university teacher who turns
junkman is, in fact, unusual. A junkyard owner who earns his doctor of philosophy
degree and becomes a university teacher is equally unusual. In contrast, a male
registered nurse is less unusual, and not worth a story.
A strong human interest feature has three things to verify if a story is truly unusual.
(1) Describes extraordinary experience
(2) Shows how people have coped with a common issue
(3) Focuses on a timely issue of wide regional/national concern.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
39
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
‘Think before writing’. Elaborate it with reference to features.
Think before writing refers to know how to write. It is a careful guidance while writing a
feature story. When a writer “Thinks before writing” a feature story he outlines the order
to present the following facts:
1. From where to start and fnish.
2. May be closing either with a surprise or dialogue, as most of the human-interest/
feature stories follow the regular pyramid order.
Though, it is sensible to follow a narrative/chronological order because most of the
feature stories follow this order, but some stories follow a combination of both pyramid
and narrative orders.
Discuss the diﬀerence between feature and column writing? (5
Marks - Lesson 1 & Lesson 19 )
Feature Writing
A feature is creative and some times subjective article written to entertain and inform
readers. It has more detail and background, based on extensive research on event or
situation to entertain and inform readers. It covers all possible aspect of the event form
all the angles.
Features are based on facts and needs reporting not cut in make-up. They are longer
than standard news story. There is no time limit but if feature written on current issues
it will have morevalue and credibility. There is no formal format but its contents to
appropriate. It allows the write to use his knowledge and shows originality in ideas.
Opening sentences are always striking to get quickly readers attention.
Column Writing
Column is an editorial written by a journalist with a by-line. They are written on
diﬀerent issues ranging from economic to social, education, health, governance and
political issues. It is not necessary that the written column reﬂects the editorial policy of
the newspaper. It is a place where write expresses his opinion and it shows diversity in
media journalism. It is a regular feature in publication, written by the same writer.
Columns are most powerfull medium of any publication and has longest life as
compare to other news. It is read by most of the decision makers or inﬂuential people.
They analyse the column and some times the columnist has to face criticism also. Due
to political situations, mostly columns are written on political aﬀairs and diﬀerent
opinions and analysis makes broader picture in readers mind. The columinst becomes
famouse in a short time depeding on his language, ideas and writing skills.
What do you know about the conclusion of features?
(3 Marks - Lesson 8)
Conclusion is your last chance to persuade your readers. It ties everything together and
presents your feature as a polished and well integrated. It sum up everythings nicely
you have already talked about. It is a good opportunity to make fnal good impression
with a positive note. It can be done though short , tight summary supported by
anecdote or a quote which takes the reader toward a climax.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
40
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
How diversity of thought inﬂuences the column writing?
(5 Marks - Lesson 20)
Diversity means variety “range of diﬀerent things”. It is very important in column
writing. Columnist become famouse because of their diverse ideas on diﬀerent
subjects. Even if they write on particular subject their written piece has their own idea
and research. Reader will get diﬀerect aspect of the single subject. Columinist also
follow diﬀerent editorial polices and as a result readers get pro govt and as well as anti
govt point of view, pro political party or anti political party vesrions.
Another beauty is that every coloumnist show diﬀerent angle of the story and is based
on changing circumstances. For instance if curbs on media is a threat to democrasy
they change their style but on the other hand they also critise media for not being
accountable. Diversity of thought adds value to the columns and because of their
unpredictability and diﬀetent point ov view keeps people interest constant.
What does newspaper readers want to read?
Newspapers performing the fve roles and they are: commercial, information, opinion,
entertainment and public forum. The readers who are not familiar with its functions
name these parts diﬀerently like “news, editorials, advertising, letters to the ediotrs and
the comics”. These names are easily understood except “the comic”. The comic strip in
the newspaper means that the newspaper has the ability to entertain and integrate the
material from column to crossword puzzle, to funny story of a local person. Features in
newspapers comes in news and timeless varities, they are very important and must be
thing or people oriented. A story on tombstone manufacturing will be thing oriented
but article on women and her children is people oriented.
English and Urdu columns which one is more popular among
Pakistani people and why? (3 Marks - Lesson 21)
Urdu is our national language and is widely spoken in Pakistan. Our ulemas, religoius
and political leaders express themselves in Urdu. Urdu colums are read by millions
of people in homes and ofces, tea stalls and hair saloons, hotels and restaurants,
buses, trains and in airplanes. Their readership varies from the local vendor to the
decision makers of the country. With its wide range of readers; it becomes easy for the
columnists to choose subjects of their own choice, which makes the Urdu columnists
more popular among the masses. The Urdu columnists are always coming up with
popular ideas with a touch of sensation, as they fnd readership of varied senses and
tastes.
English column are written for selected class of readers because it is not widely spoken
in Pakistan. Its a language of business and govt people. These selected people are well
educated and have inlfuence in dicision making. English columns always focus to teach
their readers and pin pointing the core issues of life and politics. These columns are
based on arguments not on emotions.
What is meant by Suspended interest intro?
This lead consists of several sentences, work as a stimulaters. As long as reading
continued, reader’s interest is intensifed. Most frequently it is used for news-feature or
feature stories which must be printed completely to preserve news interest.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
41
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
What are the three thumb rules to avoid making mistakes in feature
writing? (3 Marks - Lesson 18)
To avoid making mistakes, following three rules are very important:
1. First time get it right. Make sure the names and their spellings are right along
with other important inofration. Do not keep it pending to be verifed later. Get
confrmation during reporting process.
2. Do not trust your memory. During interview make notes and keep facts sheet
in proper sequence. If you fnd something missing in notes or contradectory
statements or facts, do a followup and try to sort this out directly from the
concerned person.
3. Once writing is fnished, its good idea to go back and read all the notes agains
and verify each point. It’s a good practice especially if your subject is comple like
fnancial matters or medical procedure. If you are using terminology, nothing
wrong to ask specialised peopl. If you are in doubt, feel free to ask them “Has this
been written accurately?”
What is interview? (3 Marks - Lesson 6)
The word “interview” came from Latin and French. Its meaning is “see each other or
see between”. An interview is a formal meeting between people when questions are
asked and answered. The perosn who ask the questions is called interviewer and who
answered is called interviewee. In media, interviews are conducted by reportres to
get more information on specifc issue from an expert or people of high value who’s
openion matter and they do not get time to share their point of view or experience
with public. The get appointement for the questions & answers session and its called
interview.
What do you know about Business story?
A business story is written to stand out from your competitors? To inform people about
your products and service. Stories are memorable and they help to persuade people.
It is very easy to write a uninspiring feature about any business. Such stories are boring
and with out interest except for the business owner. Boring stories can damage your
reputation.
So, what’s your business story? Can your story tells exactly what you do? The objective
of the business story must be simple. “Share your story to connect better to your
customer and you will build your business.” Your story should improve the overall
impresion of your business. You will be paid for the feature so must not forward copy
material. It should have diﬀerent ﬂavour and angles to highlight. The following diﬀerent
types of stories can be used in business:
Your back story: How did you start amd what was your turning point?
• The Passion Story: Do you love what you do? People buy why you do it not buy
what you do.
• The Personality Story: Your personality features highlighting why people might
wok with you.
• The customer Story: Showing who are your customers? How are you serving
them? The level of satisfaction and appreciation on your business.
• The employee Story: How much your employees are statisfed? Their working
relation and work environment.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
42
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
“Lead is more important for a good feature but there is a need for
solid transition into the body of a good feature.” Discuss?
(5 Marks - Lesson 8)
Lead (sometimes spell Lede) plays an imporatnt role to get readers attention and pull
him into the story. A good lead paints a colurful picture of the story in few words. It can
be diﬀerent in style and content. It is the begining paragraph of a story which must be
accurate, short and crisp to reﬂect the mood of the story. A lead could be descriptive,
narrative, mystery, teaser, contrast/now-and-then.
Transitions are words and phrases that create link between leads and body paragraphs.
It help to make feature ﬂowing better. Write goal is to convey information clearly so
transition help in creating link between diﬀerent sections of the feature. It helps reader
to continue and provide some kind of satisfaction in the shpae of entertainment,
information.
What is currency?
In media, main focus is on the news happening today. Currency refers to the
consistency of information. It means stories that have not happened now but have
ongoing interest for readers. For example the rise and fall in the proces fo petrol going
on form many years but still relevant to people. The date of the publication is the
frst indicator in printed documents. Sometimes the date is not as important as the
authorship or palce of an event has importance.
Following criteria is pplicable to make sure of the currency:
• Date of Information gathering to be included.
• Whenever there is an update or new data added, it must be recorded.
• Publication date or when last update happened.
• Copyright date to be included.
• If you do not fnd date in an electronic document, you can view the document
created
• date and when modifcations happend last time.
What is interview?
The word “interview” came from Latin and French. Its meaning is “see each other” or
“see between”. An interview is a formal meeting between people when questions are
asked and answered. The perosn who ask the questions is called interviewer and who
answered is called interviewee. In media, interviews are conducted by reportres to
get more information on specifc issue from an expert or people of high value who’s
openion matter and they do not get time to share their point of view or experience
with public. The get appointement for the questions & answers session and its called
interview.
Two types of interviews being conducted:
Single Person Interview
An expert ask questions to another person to cover the entire issue. These questions
were prepared befreo the interview. Sometimes news questions asked based on the
answer.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
43
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
Panel Interviews
When more than one person conduct interview it is called panel interview. The panalist
devide the area as per their specialization and ask questions one by one. This interview
is required when the interviewee is holding a top slot and performing multiple task like
Prime Minister of a country or Minister or CEO of a big organization.
Interviewee could be a literary personality, politician, sports person or celebrity of show
biz. Some time interview is based on situation and many people are asked questions to
know how like in case of earthquake or fre in a building or tragic accidents.
Kinds of interviews
Following are the types of interviews:
Informative
This interview is taken to get facts from the people who are responsible for something
or have witnessed or participated in an event or participated in it.
Opinion
This interview is to get the opinion or comments on events or issues. There are no
standard questions in this type of interview. It depends on interviewers how he
prepared the questions to learn about you and the way you think.
Personality-based
Interview of a celebrity or well-known person to know his personality, his interests, life
and activities. However, scenario will be diﬀerent if the person is not famous.
Sidebars, Profles and Series
Sidebars, Profles and Series are special things in newspaper and magazine writing.
They can be proposed and written by individual writers assigned by the editors.
A sidebar is a shorter piece of text that leads to a longer article in a newspaper or
magazines. Graphically they are separated but related to the main idea. It can be
placed anywhere having few sentences or complementing the article. Profles are color
stories normally wheather printed in a newspaper or magazine. Series are also colorfull
but they can be anything having interest for the writer, editor as well as readers. Series
covered important topics and fact fllers.
Characteristics of the The Deadline Feature Sidebar?
Sidebars for a magazines are often written against severe deadlines. In newspapers
sidebars are used to ft breaking news and always written in the last minute. Sidebars
can be written on any subject but have the following qualities.
• The editor assigned the sidebar and is written by individual writers.
• The Sidebar can be facts but most of the time a it is a feature story based on
human interest. It could be colourfull if the event is happy or grey if event is based
on tragedy.
• A sidebar may continue on the same page or jump to another page.
• Generally a stright news story written in the side bar is breaking news.
• It stand independently and always lead to the main story explaining enough
important points to the reader to understand even if he skip the main story.
• Most of the time the side bar is wriiten in hurry, but if time allows it can be written
very well.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
44
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
What is profle?
Profles are favourite for nespapers and magazines. Its is a type of feature story focuses
on a person and what’s interestiong about that person. In daily newspapers it is difcult
to diﬀerentiate between profle or personality note. Basically it is a indepth studyies of
diﬀerent peoples of interest. Inmagazines the profles run longer and have depth. The
beauty of a profle is wheater it is short or long, it helps reader to know the topic. Most
profles are written by newspaper or magazie staﬀ. The freelancers did not get a chance
to hold exclusive interview with a famous person.
There are diﬀerent ways of writing about diﬀerent people. Writer often use present
tense. The trick in writing profle is to go deep with research, observation and
experience in interviewing. If the story is newsworthy, the writer always convert inot
a straight-news stroy from the begening. The issue writer faces when they have to tell
their story ater going thorugh many documents and lengthy manuscript in a short
time.
Best solution is to have in depth knowledge of the subject. Interesting writing
techniques boost the story if written in a short paragraph. The important point is that
how you frst create interest in reader to start the story and bring him to the stron
conclusion.
How the feature writer make the feature eﬀective? OR Demands of a
feature ( Lesson 5)
A feature is creative and some times subjective article written to entertain and inform
readers. The following demands must be met by the writer to make feature eﬀective:
Explanation
Features are based on interesting stories to get people attention immidiately. It must
be explained in a language comprehensible to the people. Writing feature is actually
giving details of the event with facts and fndings based on truth. The background to
be presented side by side with personal feelings and impressions. These things help the
write to reach on a frm conclusion to shape public opinion.
Interest and Entertainment
Basically feature is a attractive news story with details. It includes color photographs
which make it more eyecatching to increase the interest and provide entertainment. If
we see it from facts side it looks like a news story. If we see the description side it looks
like a drama. How much you create interst in story that much chances of its success. It is
the demand of the feature when providing entertainment must give moral and ethical
guidelines to the readers.
Information and guidance
Features objective is to inform and guide people and this is the success of newspaper.
If feature does not have objective the entertainment element is not enough for its
success in any newspaper or magazine.
Both sides of picture
A good features always tell both side of the story or event because they are based on
real life and written on current issues. Facts and fgures are gathered from relevant
person and writer imagination and creative skills make feature more interesting.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
45
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
Diagnosis of Problems
Features reﬂects mood of the society and feature is incomplete if it does not diagnosis
the problems prevaling in the society. When facts and fgures are studied it highlights
the causes and reasons which led to that event. Features guide readears to its possible
solutions and oﬀer social services to its readers.
Favourite of readers
Features are favourite among readers because they are full of valuable information
long with diﬀerent narrates of the story supported by color full text and photosgraphs.
Because of features popularity their write are more famous. It is a perfect article
written in an stylish way to keep readers interest alive and this helps in increasing the
newspapers circualtion
Attractive prose pieces
The feature write must keep in mind the likes and dislikes, peoples requirements and
psychology when writing feature. Long article with boaring and dry information force
them to fnd alternatives which are written in simple way and easy to understandable
with interest. People like simple story and directly related to them. Features can be
written on diﬀerent topic like education, health, entertainment. It capture readers
interest from the begining till its conclusion.
Brieﬂy describe the Hodge-podge column.
The columnist does not stick to one subject, but mentions several things is called
Hodge Podge column. The purpose of providing variety in column is to get readers
interest. He can add poem here or announcement, a joke, an interesting question or
moderanized proverb.
Readers interest is yardstick to determine the length of feature.
Describe.
Fatures stories are longer than column becasue it discuss the issue or event in details
with fact and fgures supported by colourfull graphics in a story telling style. It could be
long as much as it is interessted and have newsworuth elements. Usually they are long
from two or three paragraphs till multiple pages. Reasders interst is the main engine
which drives the story and judged by peoples interest. It an editor job to assess the
reasders interest and keep the features in it.
Characteristics of features?
• Features inform, educate and advise but have more entertaining elements.
• They could be any length ranging from couple of paragraphs till multiple pages.
• Based on facts and requires in deoth reproting.
• Features may or may not be timely written. If it is timely written and related to
current news they will get more attention of the readers.
• Writer can write in any form and style using his knowledge and skills. It must be
appropriate and serve the purpose of the story.
• More often they have novelty leads and well organised and carefully written.
• Opening sentences are keynotes which allows readers to read more.
• Features are not in cut in makeup and allows writer to apply his imagination.
• Vivid images are created supoorted by sound and feeling with specifc nouns,
adjectives and verbs.
• Due to the availability of the time, writing can be improved by eliminating the
writing faults.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MIDTERM > Questions & Answers
46
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
What is meant by commemorative stories?
Commemorative stories is recalling an event that already happened in the past. This is
usually written on the frst aniversary with other stories after fve year gap. People can
be interviewed who were involved or related in that event. Writer can write an article to
capture the mood of the people.
What is meant by Feature series?
Features series is a showcase of the daily newspaper along with many top magazines.
A lot of time is required for writer and editor to write this. The feature series can
be written about any subject of interest, however the time is very important issue.
Multipart series have a chance of winning almost any catageory for example
explanatory journalism, national reporting etc. The features series often talk about the
less important factors.
Why readers consider columns more important than feature?
A feature is written to entertain and inform readers. It is creative and some times
subjective. It has more detail and background, based on extensive research on event or
situation. It covers all possible aspect of the event form all the angles. They are longer
than standard news story and there is no time limit.
Column Writing
Column is an editorial written by a journalist with a by-line. They are written on
diﬀerent issues ranging from economic to social, education, health, governance and
political issues. It is not necessary that the written column reﬂects the editorial policy of
the newspaper. It is a place where write expresses his opinion and it shows diversity in
media journalism. It is a regular feature in publication, written by the same writer.
Columns are most powerfull medium of any publication and has longest life as
compare to other news. It is read by most of the decision makers or inﬂuential people.
They analyse the column and some times the columnist has to face criticism also. Due
to political situations, mostly columns are written on political aﬀairs and diﬀerent
opinions and analysis makes broader picture in readers mind. The columinst becomes
famouse in a short time depeding on his language, ideas and writing skills.
Expalin Byline
A line in a linews paper article specifying the nname of the writer is called Byline. It
starts with the word “By”. It is originated in United Sates in 1926. By enhance the article
credibility and gives readers option to question the source directly. If no byline is
mentioned it states that the written information is from anonymous resources.
Electronics is a vast source for feature. Discuss?
Describe the idea of feature writing?

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
FAQ
47
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
What is a Feature?
A feature is a creative, sometimes subjective article, designed primarily to entertain and
inform readers about an event, a situation or an aspect of society or life.
What is an interview?
According to a loose or general defnition, interview is ‘Asking questions to obtain
information’. Strict or technical defnition: Asking questions to obtain opinions, ideas,
or special information on a topic of interest from a prominent person or a recognised
authority.
What is Column writing?
“All those writings are columns published on regular basis under a permanent caption
in the periodicals and the periodicals.” Column has been described as an editorial with a
by-line by the journalists. Column-writing is one -of the most satisfying and rewarding
journalistic exercise or assignment which is equal to personalised journalism. It is the
feld where a column writer is invested with ample independence and liberty to write
on any topic or subject, with a clear ﬂair of creative approach.
What is article writing?
An article is a piece of writing, complete in itself, written for publication in a newspaper,
or magazine. It is intended for wide range of readers so must be attractive. It can
include interesting stories, reported speeches and event descriptions. It has fact,
thoughts and opinions in a less formal style. It has four parts, Intro, Nut Graph, Main
body and Conclusion.
Are there any Legal and ethical considerations for writers which they are
supposed to adhere?
As free as the press may be in this country, there are still certain restrictions and
limitations that writers must keep frmly in mind. The most important of these, for
your purposes, are the laws pertaining to libel, privacy and copyright. However, there
are also some pertinent ethical restrictions not governed by law. Ethics are a personal,
private matter to be decided by each writer according to the dictates of conscience, but
publishing etiquette demands adherence to some basic ethical principles.
What are the key tips to naturally improve one’s language?
Answer: There are four key areas, which must be strived for all the time, as these
help in naturally improving one’s language, as cramming never helps anybody. •
Reading – devour books and magazines – A journalist must be reading newspapers and
magazines on daily basis.
• Listening – keep tuned to good channels – A journalist must be a good listener too.
• Speaking – make a try, you will be better – It has been observed that quite a large
number of journalists are not good at communicating verbally, and there are
those who can speak very well but when it comes to writing they always leave bad
impression.
• Writing – most important but no way impossible – For every journalist, writing is a
must, and while doing so, he must be doing it to the best of his abilities.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
48
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
1 Which statement would have more impact on readers?
T Mad was attacked by an animal
P A boy was attacked by an animal
T A boy was bitten by a dog on his knee
T Mad was bitten on his knee by a dog
2 Philosophical columns do not contain:
T Study of diﬀerent aspects of life
T Criticism on diﬀerent aspects of life
T Examination of diﬀerent aspects of life
P Studying wild life
3 Which of the following is not a useful device for writing?
T Quotes
T Anecdotes
T Analogies
P Indirect address
4 In which of the given type of structure the tone may vary from the simple directive
approach to a more casual, informal style?
T Instructive
P Opinionated
T Anecdote
T Grab bag
5 Which of the topics are mostly dealt in a column?
P News topics
T Religious topics
T Educational topics
T International topics
6 What you get automatically from a primary source in logical and natural origin for
the chosen information in article writing is termed as?
T Accuracy
P Authenticity
T Credibility
T Plausity
7 What is the last and most important step for article writing?
P Proof reading and editing
T Use of complex words
T Writing on a clean paper
T Decorating it with ﬂowers and painting

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
49
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
8 All of these are practical reasons of doing research in article writing, except
T It is more efcient
T It is more believable
T It is safer
P It is a personal opinion
9 Too many grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors in article writing refer to
all of these, Except
T Misspelled words
T Poor grammar
T Poor punctuation
P General Format
10 The writer must be using _________before accepting any idea to write on, and
preserve information about it
P Mental flters
T Editorial policy
T Management policy
T Brain storming
11 All of these have some defnite punctuation rules Except:
T Quotation marks
T Question marks
T Semicolons
P Paralines
12 Which is not a beneft of using the anecdotes?
T They keep the story moving
T They keep reader’s interest at high peak
T They help to illustrate character traits
P They makes reader to have a stock of anecdotes
13 Who gives the answers of the questions asked in question answer style of column?
P Columnist
T Reader
T Editor
T Reporter
14 Which of the following is a kind of mental and oral shorthand, allowing you to
create quick images without having to work on it?
T Slug
P Clichés
T Catch line
T Assignment

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
50
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
15 Articles are mostly found in which of the following?
T Dailies
P Magazines
T Newsletters
T Journals
16 What is the requirement for writing the Advice columns?
T Bookish knowledge
T Personal experience
T Political background
P Bookish knowledge and Personal experience
17 If one has seen an event happen and reported it carefully, he and his readers
assume, the journalist has also reported it with
P Accuracy
T Plausibility
T Corroboration
T Credibility
18 How many broad types are there in the article writing?
P Seven
T Ten
T Four
T Two
19 Which statement would have more impact on readers?
T Mad was attacked by an animal
T A boy was attacked by an animal
T A boy was bitten by a dog on his knee
P Mad was bitten on his knee by a dog
20 Which of the following covers press conferences and report who said what?
P Straight news
T Feature stories
T Articles
T Columns
21 All of these are the common writing problems except:
T Unnecessary/words
T Cliches
T Overuse of adjectives and adverbs
P Avoidance of jargon

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
51
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
22 Which of the given type aim to help the reader by giving him defnite directions or
advice about a particular issue?
T Interview articles
P Utility article
T Personal Experience articles
T Confession articles
23 Which of the topics are mostly dealt in a column?
P News topics
T Religious topics
T Educational topics
T International topics
24 _______________is an integral part of the opinionated column.
P Pleasantness
T Brevity
T Novelty
T Purity of language
25 What is the last and most important step for article writing?
P Proof reading and editing
T Use of complex words
T Writing on a clean paper
T Decorating it with ﬂowers and painting
26 Decisions are up to the readers, while arguments, pro or anti, are a ...................
T An Editor’s right
P A Writer’s right
T A Reporter’s right
T A News caster’s right
27 Which segment of the article gives a slant to the idea to get the reader involved?
T Conclusion
T Main body
T Intro
P Nut graph
28 A piece of writing bringing the subject to fore from one angle with a beginning, a
middle and ending, while all parts are juxtaposed systematically is called .............
T Feature
P Article
T Column
T Editorial

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
52
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
29 All of these are writing mistakes of article, Except:
T Too much hype, bragging and self-promotion
T Content-based on what you need to learn, and what your reader needs
T Plagiarising or ‘buying articles’
P Burning out the RESOURCE BOX by overloading it
30 What kind of qualities a columnist should not have
T Qualities of a good reporter
T Qualities of a good human being
T Qualities of a good thinker
P Qualities of a deceiver
31 Which of these things cannot improve a columnist’s writing style?
T Use of wisecracks
T Creativity
T Sharpened vocabulary
P Joining a high class newspaper
32 Which mistakes must be avoided in an article?
T Grammatical
T Spelling
T Punctuation
P All of the given options
33 When a columnist has chosen an idea, he must discuss it in a wider perspective
this helps in maintaining the _______of a column.
T Credibility
T Accuracy
T Accountancy
P Currency
34 Which of the given style of writing a column gives ample opportunities to the
columnist to raise questions of national and paramount importance?
T Unifed Style
T Anecdotal Style
T Departmental Style
P Question-and-Answer Style
35 “Big business is wrecking the economy” is stated by:
P Mayor
T Martin Daunton
T Rick Halpern
T Polyester

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
53
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
36 How many broad types are there in the article writing?
P Seven
T Ten
T Four
T Two
37 Making your article available for reprints by publishers is the cornerstone strategy
in building an avalanche of .....................
P Reader
T Reporter
T Editors
T Writers
38 A columnist have a good qualities of a good ..................
T Editor
T Manager
T Publisher
P Reporter
39 Which is the given type is about educating the reader through both personal
experience and bookish knowledge.
P Advice column
T Easy column
T Question answer column
T Opinionated column
40 Which is the aim of utility article
P Give defnite direction to the reader
T To advice about particular issue
T To give the suggestion from the experter point of view
T All of the given options
41 _________ is the summing up of the column.
T Lead
P Conclusion
T Intro
T Main body
42 __________is determined by the local conditions and predictions from concerned
writers.
P Reference
T Argument
T Rationalism
T Opinion

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
54
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
43 Which of the following can be used in an article?
T Illustrations
T Quote
T Case studies
P All of given options
44 All of these are the main segments of an article except:
T Intro
T Nut graph
T Main body
P Interview
45 All of the following are the general styles of columns, except:
T Unifed
T Anecdotal style
T Department style
P Linear style
46 The essence of any good article is the
P Anecdote
T Clichés
T Interview
T Analysis
47 Style of writing is only altered with
P The passage of time
T Finance
T Attitude
T Instant
48 Which of the following have a very short life?
P Dailies
T Magazines
T Journals
T Periodicals
49 Style of writing depends upon
P Attitude
T Time
T Newspaper
T Money

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
55
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
50 All of these are the basic commandments, which must not be forgotten by any
professional except
T Make your point and prove it
T Generalise, but don’t use generalities
T Separate fact from opinion
P Turn oﬀ
51 What should be the length of the paragraph of an article to keep it interesting?
P 3 to 5 sentences
T 10 to15 sentences
T 15 to 20 sentences
T 20 to 25 sentences
52 How an article should be treated?
T Generalize it only
T Use generalities only
P Generalize it but don’t use generalities
T Both generalization and use of generalities is must for an article
53 Article is an important element of
T Television journalism
T Radio Broadcasting
T Gonzo journalism
P Magazine journalism
54 What do column writing requires the most?
T Good reporting
T Good writing
P Good thinking
T Good relations

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
56
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
QUIZ # 4 > SPRING 2017
1 When you get automatically from primary source in logical and natural origin for
the choosen information in article writing is termed as?
T Accuracy
P Authenticity
T Credibility
T Plausity
2 What is the aim of utility articles
T To give defnite directions to the readers
T To advice about a particular issue
T To give suggestions from the experts point of view
P All of the given options
3 Articles mostly fnd in which of the following?
T dailies
P magazines
T newsletters
T journals
4 It is the fact that ____ columns are read more
T Long
T Novelty
T Opinionated
P Short
5 Always keep interesting incidents in your mind and use them frequently in
columns depending upon the ____
P situation
T comments
T topic
T time
6 Big business is wrecking the economy “ is stated by
P Mayor
T Martin Daunton
T Rick Halpern
T Polyester
7 All of these are writing mistakes of article, except:
T too much hype, bragging and self-promotion
P content-based on what you need to learn, and what your reader needs
T plagiarising or buying articles
T burning out the RESOURCE BOX by overloading it

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
57
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
8 Decisions are the up to the readers, while arguments, pro or anti, are_____
T an editior’s right
P a writer’s right
T a reporter’s right
T a news cater’s right
9 All of these have some defnite punctuation rules except:
T quotation marks
T question marks
T semicolons
P paralines
10 The articles that depict the innermost feelings of a person in a confdential tone are
written under which type
T interview articles
T utility articles
P confession articles
T narrative articles
11 All of these are practical reasons of doing research in article writing, except
T it is more efcient
T it is more believable
T it is safer
P it is a personal opinion
12 How an article should be treated
T generalize it only
T use generalities only
P generalize it but don’t use generalities
T both generalization and use of generalities is must for an article
13 Philosophical columns do not contain:
T study of diﬀerent aspects of life
T criticism on diﬀerent aspects of life
T examination of diﬀerent aspects of life
P studying wild life
14 Which of the given attribute is used by the writers commonly
P said (ch33, point15)
T talked
T announced
T reported

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
58
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
15 How many broad types are there in article writing
P seven
T ten
T four
T two
16 Which of the following is not useful device for writing
T quotes
T anecdotes
T analogies
P indirect address
17 ____ are usually determined by the local conditions and the predictions of the
concerned writers.
P references
T arguments
T rationalism
T opinions
18 Which of the following have very short life
P dailies
T magazines
T journals
T periodicals
19 Which is a not beneft using of using anecdotes
T they keep the story moving
T they keep the readers interest at high peak
T they help to illustrate character traits
P they makes raeder to have a stock of anecdotes
20 Simple language and difcult expressions must keep the ____ and ideas intact in
columns
P ﬂuency of language
T purity of language
T impurity of language
T critical language
21 Making your articles available for reprints by publishers is the cornerstone strategy
in building an avalanche of ____
P readers
T reporters
T Writers
T editors

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
59
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
22 What should be the length of the paragraph of an article to keep it interesting
P 3 to 5 sentences
T 10 to 15 sentences
T 15 to 20 sentences
T 20 to 25 sentences
23 Which of the given must keep as priority by columnist, besides grammatically
correct language?
P purity of language
T novelty
T brevity
T opinion
24 Which segment of the article gives a slant to the idea to get the reader involved?
T conclusion
T main body
T intro
P nut graph
25 Which of the given type is about educating the reader through both personal
experiences, and bookish knowledge?
P advice columns
T essay columns
T question and answer columns
T opinionated columns
26 Which of the following can be used in an article?
T quotes
T illustrations
T case stidies
P all of the given options
27 Column writer must try to be a ________ writer.
T experienced
P balanced
T professional
T biased
28 Never consider baseless ________ as a part of the write-up in the columns.
T humour
P rumour
T obscurity
T gossip

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
60
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
29 What should be the length of an article
T too short
T too long
P neither too short nor too long
T according to the space provided for its printing in the magazine
30 Following must be kept in mind prior to writing an article except
T research
T the library
T the reference collection
P personal opinion
31 What is the last and most important step for an article writing
P proof reading and editing
T use of complex words
T writing it on a clean paper
T Decorating it with ﬂowers and painting
32 All of these are the main segment of articles except
T intro
T nut graph
T main body
P interview
33 Too many grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors in article writing refer to
all of these Except
T misspelled words
T poor grammer
T poor punctuation
P general format
34 Gossip columns are usually covered in___
P flm magazine
T pamphlets
T women magazine
T sports magazine
35 The essence of any good article is the____
P anecdote
T cliches
T interview
T analysis

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
Feature & Column Writing
61
QUIZ # 4 > Lectures 25 - 40
36 Always keep interesting incidents in your mind, and use them frequently in your
columns depending upon the ______
P situation
T comments
T topic
T time
37 Which statement would have more impact on readers?
T Asad was attacked by an animal
T A boy was attacked by an animal
T A boy was bitten by a dog on his knee
P Asad was bitten on his knee by a dog
38 All of these act as important factors for any columnsit, except
T observation and experiences
T interviewing others (for seeking information)
T reprting
P editing
39 If one has seen an event happen and reported it carefuly, he and his readers
assume, the journalist has also reported it with ____
P accuracy
T plausibilty
T corroboration
T crediblity
40 A piece of writing bringing the subject to fore from one angle with a beginning, a
middle and ending, while all parts are juxtaposed systematically is called ____
T feature
P article
T column
T editorial
41 The rules for___ are hard and fast and question marks, colons and semicolons may
be inside or outside,depending on the sense of the sentences in it.
P quotation marks
T commas
T periods
T dashes

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
FINAL EXAM (Fall 2016) Feature & Column Writing
62
Article writing is more boring compare to other form of writing,
Discuss
An article is a piece of writing, complete in itself, written for publication in a newspaper,
or magazine. It can include interesting stories, reported speeches and event
descriptions.
It is boring because the writer only discus the subject from one angle and does not
focus other perspective, which is exactly opposite a feature. Article also restricts the
writer to include personal views. It needs lot of research and make sure the facts and
fgures are not only accurate but available in multiple numbers. To get this the writer
needs to dig out library, seek information from reference collecctions, periodicals and
indexes.
What is resource box?
The Resource Box is the short biography of the author, come under your article each
time it is written or published. It is very important because it promotes you diﬀerent
ways.
It contains a link to your website so whenever your article is published, a link to your
website is mentioned so readers can visit your website and know about yourself. It
established your expertise and readers will regard your piece of information more
reliable and athuntic. Your written article will give reason to readers for a call to action
and that is in your resource box. In this way your convert your readers into clickers. Each
click to your website generate trafc and people start know about yourself.
What kind of writing, column writing is? Or the essentials and basic
points that go in to the forming of a Column?
Writing column is easier than cover straight news of writing feature stories. Straight
news are boring because you cover the press conference, receive press release and
report them. Features require too much reporting and nedds to follow a structure.
Columns are opinion pieces and does not require a formal structure. It requires a good
thinking. Column writing is essential and fulflling the needs of the newspaper and
periodicals. Columns are written on diﬀerent issues ranging from economic to social,
education, health, governance and political issues. The basis of column writing relates
to past practise of personal jurnalism.
The style of writing is natural and directly addressed to the readers. Columsn have brief,
comprehensive and precise information, news and announcement. Your opinions must
be logical, making sense and convincing in an light entertaining way.
Column Writing Tips
Many young writers prefer to write columns rather than straight news or features.
Straight news is deemed to be boring – covering press conferences and reporting who
said what. Feature stories involve too much reporting and require discipline to follow
a set structure. Columns, which are essentially opinion pieces, are much looser – and
therefore easier. Or so it seems. Anybody can be trained to write straight news because
it’s very mechanical. Feature articles, though also somewhat formulaic, are harder
because they require good writing. But column writing is the hardest type of writing of
all because it requires good thinking.

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 FINAL EXAM (Fall 2016)
Feature & Column Writing
63
To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your
opinions must make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this
in an entertaining way.
What do you know by Chronological Order?
Writing an article is as important as telling a story. Readers always prefer to read a story
which is clearly and naturally explained. Confusing story will distract them to leave
Readers have short attention duration. You must hook them into your story from start
to fnish.
Desribing a story in proper sequence (frst this happened and then this) is called
Chronological Order. It linked all important elements with each other in an proper
order to make sense. The inverted Pyramid is the most common way to organized a
story. The most important information always comes frst. You begin with the lead that
summarize your story. Than you provides background information followed by more
details about the story.
What is frst step towards writing a column?
The frst and most important step is to know why are you writing and who are your
audiance. Are you writing to inform people about event or issue? Is this directly relates
to them and they want to know more about it?
If a writer is writing about health and ftness, the general public and youth is his
audiance. He will have knowledge on the lifestyle and eating habits. Writing style will
be soft. The lead sentence will attract the reader and the rest of the column will explain
simple steps on diet and exercise. It the writer provides sources it s credibility will
increase. Short and to the point explanation will make easy to understand.
What are carry over transitional devices?
It is one of the eﬀective writing technique to be followed. Once you are fnishing your
thought in a paragraph and start another though from next paragraph, you must create
a link between both thoughts. Otherwise it will create a gap whcih could be jarring.
It is adviseable that you keep your text ﬂowing smoothly from one though to another.
It could be done by crealing a bridge or link between them. The link will be established
from the last line of the frst paragraph and the frst line of the next paragrap. For
instance you can say:
“Still have questions? Please visit this .........”
“The Americians are doing their best but they have other cards as well to play.......”,
“Is it a complete version of the story? The other side of the story is......”
“As we do not agree on this, fnding more solutions will continue.....”
Which things must be kept in mind before writing an article?
1. Editorial policy
2. Readers’ demands, milieu and perceptions
3. Keeping the society and circumstances in mind
4. Never giving low scope to subjects
5. Considering the subject from the required angle
6. Never taking the facts and fgures for granted
7. Considering the writing job as a serious subject
8. Checking the subjects and language

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514
FINAL EXAM (Fall 2016) Feature & Column Writing
64
To what extent rechecking is important after writing an article.
Once you have written an article the following points must be rechecked:
First Draft:
Writer can write the frst draft with ease. Just to make sure the main points ﬂows with
each other smothly.
Look for Point
At frst the writer is involved so much in writing notes, gathering statistics, anecdotes
and supporting quotes. Once research is over he should go through again and fnd
out that is it related and to the point and not going away from the subject. Is is easily
describing the focal point?
Organize Material
Make all the relevant material in your easy access. Must have hard copies and notes
properly organized. It is possible that the quotes or lead choosen will ft best at another
place.
Chronological order
Desribing a story in proper sequence (frst this happened and then this) is called
Chronological Order. It linked all important elements with each other in an proper
order to make sense. The inverted Pyramid is the most common way to organized a
story.
Write the lead
Write the proper and attractive lead. Good lead means readers interst will reamin intact.
Sort out the conﬂict
See where the conﬂict or paradox lies! What are the diﬀerences between reality and
ideals
Contrast, anecdote, and comparison
What are the fve reliablely check against which you can measure
the facts you research?
You can measure the facts of yoru research though fve reliability checks.
1. Accuracy
If one has seen an event happen and reported it carefully, he and his readers assume,
the journalist has also reported it accurately. A writes always adds accuracy to the
write-up through facts, which are correctly mentioned, and in turn, his readers never
doubt facts mentioned. Accuracy of facts is the key to a successful writer.
2. Authenticity
Not to be confused with accuracy, authenticity is what you get automatically from a
primary source. It comes from the horse’s mouth – the logical, natural origin for the
chosen information. If you cannot confrm your data, you be careful to present them as
authentic statements and not verifed facts. Research brings authenticity to the writeup when the facts are rightly and correctly placed.
3. Credibility
The source’s way of telling his facts and backing them up or his proven track record,
may lead you to the subjective conclusions that the source is credible and his facts can
be believed. That is who to present the information to the readers. Credibility of a writer

MSc Mass Communication
Fall 2016
MCM 514 FINAL EXAM (Fall 2016)
Feature & Column Writing
65
is because of authenticity of facts, which are confrmed through research, as it is the
basic agenda behind every write-up. Nothing is done better, if the idea not properly
investigated and facts not confrmed.
4. Plausibility
You may conclude that, subjectively, the fact makes sense to you and presumably
to other people. That is how you will write it – not as verifed fact but as plausible
consideration.
5. Corroboration
Corroborate means to add proof or certainty to an account, statement or an idea with
new information. Without corroboration, it will be difcult to prove the statement to be
correct. Have facts and fgures, comments, eyewitness account etc to prove your point,
and never leave assertions sans corroborating them with facts.
You may obtain information from a separate, also believable source that substantiates
the frst source’s fact. Then you will have objectively demonstrated, if not the accuracy,
at least the honesty of your source.
What essentials are required by feature writers to follow the
editorial policy.
A column directly addresses to readers. Discuss
Write down fve diﬀerent approaches that you can take a topic this
harmful eﬀects of smoking?

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