Which term is defined as the written identification of the source of a fact, opinion, or quote in a news story?

Which term is defined as the written identification of the source of a fact, opinion, or quote in a news story?

• A. Attribution
• B. Byline
• C. Caption
• D. Lead

Answer: (A)

Attribution is the written identification of the source of a fact, opinion, or quote in a news story. It shows readers who provided the information, which helps establish credibility and accountability. In practice, you’ll often see phrases like “according to” followed by a name and, if possible, that person’s title and organization, so the source is clear and traceable. A byline, by contrast, names the journalist who wrote the piece, not the source of the information. A caption explains what’s shown in a photo, and a lead is the opening paragraph that introduces the most important details of the story.

Attribution is the written identification of the source of a fact, opinion, or quote in a news story. It shows readers who provided the information, which helps establish credibility and accountability. In practice, you’ll often see phrases like “according to” followed by a name and, if possible, that person’s title and organization, so the source is clear and traceable.

A byline, by contrast, names the journalist who wrote the piece, not the source of the information. A caption explains what’s shown in a photo, and a lead is the opening paragraph that introduces the most important details of the story.