Partial quote

Definition

A partial quote is a specific segment of someone’s spoken or written words that is included in a news story, but it doesn’t capture the entirety of what was said. Using partial quotes allows journalists to highlight important phrases or sentiments while maintaining a concise narrative. This technique helps in attributing information accurately and adds credibility to the reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Partial quotes are often used to create a more dynamic and engaging narrative by highlighting key phrases that resonate with the audience.
2. When using partial quotes, it's crucial to ensure that they accurately reflect the context and meaning of the original statement.
3. Journalists may opt for partial quotes when the full statement is too lengthy or when only a specific part of it is relevant to the story.
4. The use of partial quotes can help to prevent misinterpretation by allowing the journalist to focus on the most significant aspects of a person's statement.
5. While partial quotes add variety to reporting, they must be used judiciously to maintain journalistic integrity and avoid misleading readers.

Review Questions

• How does the use of partial quotes enhance a journalist's ability to convey information while maintaining engagement?
  • Partial quotes enhance a journalist's ability to convey information by allowing them to select impactful phrases that resonate with readers, creating a more dynamic narrative. By focusing on key segments of a speaker's words, journalists can emphasize critical points without overwhelming their audience with lengthy quotations. This selective quoting helps maintain engagement while still providing essential context and insights.
• In what ways can improper use of partial quotes lead to misrepresentation of a source's intended message?
  • Improper use of partial quotes can lead to misrepresentation by distorting the original meaning or context of the source's words. If a journalist selects segments that do not accurately reflect the intent or sentiment behind the entire statement, it can create confusion or convey an inaccurate message. Additionally, taking quotes out of context might result in readers drawing conclusions that differ from what the speaker intended, potentially damaging reputations and credibility.
• Evaluate the ethical implications associated with using partial quotes in news writing and their effect on reader perception.
  • Using partial quotes in news writing carries ethical implications as it challenges journalists to balance brevity with accuracy. If not done correctly, they risk misrepresenting a source's views, which can undermine trust and credibility. Ethically, journalists must ensure that partial quotes do not distort the original intent and provide necessary context for readers. The way partial quotes are presented can significantly affect reader perception, shaping opinions based on how accurately and fairly those words are portrayed.

Related terms

Direct quote: A direct quote is the exact words spoken by an individual, enclosed in quotation marks, used to convey their thoughts or opinions precisely.

Attribution: Attribution is the practice of crediting the source of information or quotes within journalism, ensuring transparency and accountability in reporting.

Paraphrase: A paraphrase is a restatement of someone else's ideas or words in the journalist's own language, often used to simplify or clarify the original message.