28 Questions
What is the term for a journalist who reports on sports?
Sportswriter
What should the lead of a sports article generally include?
The final score and some highlights that made the game interesting
What does spotlighting a few single players in a sports story help to achieve?
Adds a human side to the story
What does a sports columnist primarily do?
Express personal opinions on sports topics
Apart from the final score, what should the lead of a sports story also include?
Highlights of the game
What is the importance of proper grammar, punctuation, and word usage in articles?
It ensures articles are easy to understand
What is the purpose of the stylebook in sports writing?
To specify rules for writing in magazines, newspapers, and other broadcasting media
Why should sports writers become familiar with the current style of the sector?
To adhere to the specific rules of the news organization they work for
What is the role of sports public relations?
To manage the reputation of sports teams and individuals
What is the main focus of sports writing?
To report on sports events and personalities
What is the importance of style in sports writing?
It ensures articles are written in a consistent and recognizable format
What is the primary focus of a sports article?
Describing a specific play and including quotes from athletes and coaches
What is the importance of a broad understanding of sports business for a sports writer?
It enables the writer to understand the impact of events on various aspects of the sports business
What is the significance of actual industry knowledge for a sports writer?
It enables the writer to stay current with sports trends and terminology
What is the role of research skills in sports writing?
Enabling the writer to find real facts and ensure accuracy in their reporting
What is the primary goal of a sports writer in terms of connecting with sports fans?
To keep readers interested in a particular story and wanting to read more of that writer's stories
Why is creativity important for a sports writer?
To enable the writer to present information in a creative manner while holding true to their viewpoint
What is the significance of a basic command of the English language for a sports writer?
It is a must-have skill for sports writers to ensure their articles are clear and grammatically correct
What should be the focus of a strong lead in a sports article?
Highlighting an interesting fact about the outcome of the game
What kind of language should be used while writing a sports article for a daily newspaper?
Concise and to the point
What is the role of a sports journalist when covering an event?
Report the basic chronology of the event with details about major moments
What should a sports article emphasize in the lead paragraph?
An important fact about the outcome of the game
What should a journalist do before covering a sports event?
Research the teams and individual players involved
Which of the following is not important for giving the major play-by-play in a sports article?
Detailed reporting of every single play
What is the significance of checking facts in a sports article?
To correctly present the facts and statistics
What is the purpose of providing quotes from both coaches or key players in a sports article?
To balance the perspectives of both teams
What is not considered important for a sports journalist's knowledge when covering a sports event?
Focusing solely on the outcome of the game
What are the elements of a sports article that need to be presented in a clean and concise manner?
Basic chronology of the event and details about major moments
Study Notes
Writing a Sports Article
- A sports article should start with a strong lead that includes the "who, what, where, when, why, and how" of the story.
- The lead should emphasize an important or interesting aspect of the story.
- The article should include a concise summary of the game or event, highlighting the main points and interesting facts.
Writing Style
- Write clearly and concisely, avoiding lengthy and poetic language.
- Use basic vocabulary and avoid technical terms unless necessary for the story.
- Include context, metaphors, and specific details to make the story engaging.
Knowledge of the Sport
- A sports writer should have a basic working knowledge of the sport they are covering.
- This includes knowing the current players, coaches, standings, history, and rules of the sport.
- Research is essential to ensure accuracy and in-depth knowledge of the sport.
Structuring the Article
- The most important information to include is the score and the outcome of the game.
- Quotes from coaches and key players can add depth and interest to the article.
- Describe the game or match, highlighting one or two significant plays and including quotes.
- Focus on the human side of the story, highlighting individual players' efforts.
Skills Required for Sports Writing
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- Broad understanding of the sports business, including marketing, finance, and public relations.
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- In-depth knowledge of the sport or topic being written about.
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- Research skills to gather accurate and reliable information.
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- Ability to connect with sports fans and write for a specific audience.
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- Creativity in presenting information and viewpoints.
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- Strong command of the English language.
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- Familiarity with current style guidelines and formatting rules.
Explore the world of sports writing through learning about different types of sports articles, writing a basic game story, understanding the job of a sports columnist, and practicing sports writing exercises. Sports writing involves covering sports events and athletes, capturing the dramatic moments of competition and courage.
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