Which language features are typical of news stories?

• A. Formal register, imagery, rhetoric, passive voice, objective and concise
• B. First person description
• C. Slang and jokes
• D. Long dialogues

Answer: (A)

News writing aims to deliver information clearly and without bias. That’s why a formal register is common, keeping language professional and precise. The tone should be objective and concise, presenting facts without unnecessary embellishment. The passive voice is a frequent tool in hard news because it helps keep the focus on what happened and the outcomes rather than who did it, supporting objectivity. Imagery—carefully chosen details that paint a scene—helps readers visualize events while remaining factual and neutral. Rhetoric can appear, but in straight news it isn’t the focus; the emphasis stays on clear reporting rather than persuasive language. The other options rely on first-person perspective, slang and jokes, or extended dialogues, which don’t fit the standard style of news articles that prioritize distance, formality, and succinctness.