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English Campus Journalism — LET Practice Questions

Campus journalism is a distinct LET English Major topic — expect questions on news writing, editorial style, layout, photojournalism, and the Campus Journalism Act. Many examinees underestimate this section because the rules and terms are specific.

50 reviewed questions on English Campus Journalism — and over 1,100 across English Major overall — are available with a free LET360 account. Sign up free →

Sample questions with answers and explanations

Sample 1

Why is it important to adhere to ethical standards of journalism?

Answer: B

Journalism ethics (truth, fairness, accuracy, independence) exist mainly so audiences can trust what reporters say. Without trust, no one will believe the news. Ethical reporting protects the relationship between the press and the public.

Tip: Journalism ethics = trust + credibility with readers.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Avoiding legal trouble is a side benefit, not the core purpose of ethics.
  • C. Promoting the organization is public relations, not ethical journalism.
  • D. Entertainment is not the purpose of journalistic ethics.

Sample 2

What is the difference between a hard news story and a soft news story?

Answer: C

Hard news covers serious, urgent topics like politics, crime, disasters, or economy that affect many people. Soft news covers lighter, human-interest topics like lifestyle, entertainment, or quirky stories. The main difference is the seriousness of the subject and the public-impact angle.

Tip: Hard news = serious and urgent; soft news = light and human-interest.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. This is too narrow; hard news isn't only political and soft news isn't only lifestyle.
  • B. Hard news isn't always breaking, and feature is a format, not the same as soft news.
  • D. It's actually the reverse: hard news is straightforward; soft news often uses narrative storytelling.

Sample 3

Which is an effective hook for a blog post?

Answer: C

A blog hook should grab attention right away and make the reader curious. A rhetorical question pulls readers in by getting them to think and want the answer. Statistics can also work, but a question feels more conversational and engaging for blogs. Long intros and source lists kill momentum.

Tip: Hook = something that makes the reader stop scrolling; questions invite engagement.

Why the other choices are wrong
  • A. Long, rambling intros bore readers and make them leave; the opposite of a hook.
  • B. A statistic can be a hook, but the LET key prefers a rhetorical question for blog style.
  • D. Listing sources upfront is dry and not engaging; sources usually go later.
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