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Reporting And Writing (Bacj 113) Question Paper

Reporting And Writing (Bacj 113)

Course:Communication And Journalism

Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers

Exam Year:2010

FACULTY : EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT : COMMUNICATION & JOURNALISM
TIME : 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS Answer Question ONE(compulsory) and any THREE Others

Question 1
Read the following press statement carefully and write a 400-500 word news story for a local newspaper, drawing attention to at least FOUR important elements. (40 marks)

THE NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
The Nairobi International Trade Fair is with us again and it is this time round bigger than ever. Book lovers, publishers, distributors, schools, colleges and universities will be glad to know that the Book Fair will be held between November 22 and November 26, 2010 at the Sarit centre.
The theme of the 13th edition of the Nairobi International Book Fair is Read and Grow. This theme aptly captures the central role reading has and plays in development and growth of individuals, corporations and countries. It is a theme that is also anchored in education and reminds all of Kenya`s desire to become an information or knowledge economy.
This theme also resonates with Vision 2030, the Government`s blueprint for transforming Kenya into a middle income Country by 2030 and among whose six key pillars are education and information technology (IT).
The Book Fair is organised by the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) whose officials are drawn from the chief Executive Officers and other high-ranking officials of Kenya`s publishing houses. This year there is a record attendance of foreign exhibitors led by India (9), China (16), Nigeria, Uk, Ethiopia and Senegal.
Among the highlights of the Book fair will be the Wahome Mutahi Literaty Award for which there are five nominees, a Book Auction where individuals, schools and libraries can buy books at throw-away prices, a procession from the Kenya National Libray at Community to the KPA Offices in westlands, exbitions etc.
The Wahome Mutahi Literary prize was launched in 2006 in recognition of Wahome Mutahi`s to publishing in Kenya. It carries a Sh50,000 cash price. Wahome Mutahi was a prolific writer of humour, playwright and actor and the award is regarded as a celebration of humour and satire as well as an invitation to take up these genres of literature.
KPA awards have the objective of encouraging Kenyans to write books, that is exploit or put to use their creative talents and in turn become role models and inspire more Kenyans, especially to young people, to write books.
In this regard it is important to observe that on Thursday, after opening ceremony, there will be a seminar for budding authors, itself a fitting testimony to the commitment of KPA to promote book writing and an invitation to upcoming writers to a conference of sharing ideas and reflection.
The Book Fair will also act as a forum where questions regarding Kenya`s or East Africa`s next crop of writers. Who is replacing Ngugi wa Thiong`o, for example? What is the impact of the internet and especially the social networking sites such as Facebook on reading and book publishing?
THE KENYA PUBLISHES ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1972, the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) brings together 40 local publishing firms for the purpose of encouraging the widest possible spread of printed books throughout Kenya and beyond.
KPA also promotes and protests the interests of the publishing industry in Kenya. It also protects its member by collectively tackling the challenges facing the industry.
It is part of KPA`s mandate to lobby the Government, businesses, civil society and other relevant parties to contribute to the positive development of book publishing in Kenya.
Hosting book fairs – the Nairobi International Book Fair is not the only one – is one of the services KPA provides in its endeavour to promote reading and publishing.
The objectives of KPA include, but are not limited, to :
- Encourage the widest spread of printed books throughout Kenya and beyond;
- Promote and protect the interests of Kenya`s publishing industry;
- Co-operate for mutual benefit with other organizations concerned with the creation and production of books to promote the development of public interest in books;
- Serve as a medium for exchange of ideas with respect to publication, sales copyright and other matters of interest to publishers;
- Examine and seek to influence legislative proposals likely to affect publishers and the book trade;
- Initiate or encourage research into the resolution of technical and other problems affecting the production and distribution of books:
- Act as a centre for information on the production, marketing, sale and distribution of books; and,
- To negotiate and enter into agreements with users on such non-exclusive basis in regard to photocopying or similar reproduction of the publication of works of members.

Question 2
A fire breaks out in a Nairobi building and your are among the first people to arrive on the scene
a) What could you do in your search for a story? (6marks)
b) What questions would be going through your mind as you plan the order of your story? (4marks)

Question 3
If you are going to cover parliament comprehensively what will you have to equip yourself with, quite apart from hotel book, pen and camera? (10marks)

Question 4
How would you prepare for an interview with, say the secretary General of the central organization of trade unions? (10marks)

Question 5
When is a story credible? (10marks)

Question 6
“Keep it short and simple.” Is this statement still important as a guide to writing news? The idea is for the students to argue their case for brevity of sentences and paragraphs as well as simple English as important tools of writing well and ensuring immediate communication and how or when a long sentence could be welcome. (10marks)

Reporting And Writing (Bacj 113) Question Paper

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