Which of the following is a right sequence of a news story?
(A) Dateline – Byline – Headline – Lead
(B) Body – Lead – Tail – Byline
(C) Headline – Dateline – Byline – Lead
(D) Headline – Lead – Byline – Body
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
A news story follows a specific structure to present information clearly and effectively. Among the options given, the correct sequence is Headline – Lead – Byline – Body. This structure ensures that the reader receives essential information first, followed by details and context.
The headline serves as the title of the news story. It grabs the reader’s attention and provides a glimpse into the topic. A good headline is concise, engaging, and informative.
Next comes the lead, which is the opening paragraph. It summarizes the key aspects of the news story, often addressing the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why.” The lead is critical because it determines whether readers continue reading the article.
The byline appears below the headline or lead and mentions the name of the journalist or writer responsible for the article. It gives credit to the reporter and establishes credibility.
Finally, the body contains the detailed information of the story. It elaborates on the events, provides quotes, and includes additional background or context. Journalists often use the inverted pyramid style, presenting the most important details first and less critical information later.
The other options mix up the order of these elements, making them incorrect. Thus, the correct answer is (D): Headline – Lead – Byline – Body.
In summary, a well-structured news story follows this sequence to ensure clarity, engagement, and readability.
