Get it right - English and writing skills
Journalists must be able to use the English language with complete confidence in order to report the news and tell the public what's happening in ways they can immediately understand.
The ability to write, punctuate and spell correctly is essential if you wish to be understood - and be taken seriously by your readers or listeners. Employers want journalists who can write clearly and accurately, and they can afford to be choosy about the people they take on.
These pages are intended to help you test and develop your knowledge of writing and grammar. To give you an idea of your current level we have devised a writing test. Try the test and find out just what you need to do to improve.
Basic grammar
A short refresher course in good grammar to help make you a better journalist - and more attractive to a potential employer.
Learn More about grammar
Sentences
Bad English acts like a label that some joker has stuck on a friend's back. The victim doesn't know it's there, so doesn't do anything about it. It's time that you did. Here is the lowdown on creating effective sentences.
Learn More about sentences
Collective nouns
Words which represent a collection of people, or things are called collective nouns. Here are the rules to follow when using them.
Learn More about collective Nouns
Apostrophes
Misuse of the apostrophe is perhaps the most common error many people make when they write. But it needn't be.
Learn More about apostrophes
Direct writing
In journalism we try to report the news as simply and clearly as possible, and our lesson in direct writing will teach you how do to this.
Learn More about direct writing
Reporting speech
As a journalist, the job you will find yourself doing most often is reporting what people say. You can report direct speech or a vivid phrase. Here, we show you how to do both.
Learn More about reporting speech
Difficult words
As the English language is renowned for being difficult to learn, we have highlighted some of the most troublesome words, so you can recognise them and use them correctly
.Learn More about difficult words
The Get it Right test
This writing test is intended to give an idea of your ability. If you have any questions about the test or queries about the answers then you are welcome to contact us.
Extra and related information
Our courses are accredited by the The Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists
© All Content, unless otherwise stated, created by the Department of Journalism. 2002-2004
The Department of Journalism - University of Central Lancashire - Preston - PR1 2HE
Phone - 01772 894730 Fax 01772 892907