COMM 310, Advanced Writing, Public Relations
Mid-semester exam review

To be covered: text (Newsom and Carrell) chapters 1-9. At least one question will be asked from almost every chapter. Also covered: all lectures, all in- and out-of-class assignments. (About two thirds of questions will be based on in-class material.) Students also will be asked to write a short press release.

You may use a dictionary during the exam.

The questions below are designed to orient you to topics for study. They may or may not reflect actual questions on the exam. (But likely they won’t….)

1. What is the difference between active and passive voice? Give an example of each.

2. Why would we not want to include an unfamiliar name in the lead of a press release?

3. Why do we use transitions in public relations writing?

4. Normally press releases include facts and interpretations, but not judgments. What is the difference between the three?

5. While descriptions of public relations differ, what generally is considered to be the difference between pr and advertising?

6. What material must be nearly always included in a press conference?

7. Many public relations practitioners point out four major approaches to public relations. What are they?

8. Name three things usually true about effective persuasive campaigns.

9.Why can a press conference be useful, even if no one shows up?

10. What do we mean by ethical circles in public relations?

11. How does a backgrounder differ from a direct mail letter?

12. Which is correct in U.S. English usage: quote marks inside or outside the punctuation?