Comprehension Check

Task 1

Mark the sentences as True or False.

1. The problem of recruiting the right people into journalism is one of the most important facing the Press . ( )

2. The NCTJ’s first training programme was a two-year one during which trainees were advised to study many subjects such as English, Law, Shorthand and others.

( )

3. The NCTJ offers a full range of distance learning courses in newspaper and magazine journalism.( )

4. The National Certificate examination is the professional qualification for senior newspaper journalists, press photographers and photo journalists. ( )

5. The full training programme takes about 2 years which always include six or seven months of studying, passing exams and eighteen months working on a newspaper.

( )

6. The NCTJ launched the Newspaper Journalism and Handout examination, which replaced News Writing examination and Portfolio. ( )

7. Trainee reporters have the opportunity to broaden their skills by taking a special course in one of the offered subjects and later getting a Certificate from the Royal Commission on the Press. ( )

Task 2

Explain how you understand the following.

1. the qualifications of a journalist

2. a shorthand examination

3. preliminary qualifications

4. to broaden skills and improve employability

5. post-graduate courses

6. an academic year

7. a trainee reporter

Task 3

Find the answers to the following questions.

1. When was the NCTJ founded?

2. How many years of training did the NCTJ first programme take?

3. What training does the NCTJ offer?

4. What does the range of journalism training include?

5. How many years of training does the full programme take? What does the full programme include?

6. In what way can trainee reporters broaden their skills and improve their employability?

Task 4

Match the definitions with the words.

1) to undertake	a) a person who is being trained
2) trainee	b) fast writing in a system using signs ir shorter forms for letters, words, phrases
3) to recruit	c) the way in which printed matter is set out on paper
4) page layout	d) providing one with skills that prepare for a job
5) freelance	e) to find in order to employ
6) vocational	f) one who earns money without being in the regular employment of any particular organization
7) shorthand	g) to take up or accept (a duty or a piece of work)

Task 5

Finish up these statements using the information from the text.

1. The NCTJ’s first training programme was a three-year one during which…..

2. The NCTJ also offers…..

3. The range of journalism training products and services includes……

4. The structure of NCTJ includes…..

Task 3

Find what it is said in the text about.

1. The NCTJ’s first training programme.

2. Block release courses.

3. Pre-entry courses.

4. Distance learning courses.

Word-formation.

Complete the chart with the appropriate verbs.

Noun	verb
1) trainee 2) quote (quotation) 3) adjustment 4) employee 5) assessment 6) refreshment 7) delivery 8) dedication 9) information 10) foundation 11) maintenance	To train

C OMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES

Task 1

Look through the text and make short chronological summary about the history of the development of the NCTJ. Start with

“The NCTJ was founded in 1951…”

Task 2

What have you learnt from the text about the new News Writing Portfolio which was launched by the NCTJ? How are trainee reporters able to broaden their skills? What is subbing qualification? Discuss your findings in teams of 3 or 4.

Task 3

Work in pairs. Compare the system of training of Journalists in the UK with that one in Belarus. Dwell on the following points.

1. The number of years training includes.

2. The organizations responsible for training.

3. Courses offered for training.

4. System of assessment.

5. Subbing qualification.

Task 4