Text 3 – A Correspondent’s Life by Michael Buerk

1 Strange how the mind works. In the nights, gunfire stuttered and crashed and
rolled around town, and I had slept on through a country plunged into anarchy.
It had, after all, been an exhausting couple of weeks, criss-crossing El
Salvador. We watched from both sides, and often at dangerously close
quarters – the guerillas as they were resolutely attempting to disrupt the 5
national elections.

2 We had arrived in San Vicente late one evening after another hair-raising day
in which the rebels and government troops took turns at different points on the
road to push their guns through the windows of our car. We had spent half the
afternoon in a ditch that marked the precise centre of a gun battle. I was scared 10
beyond rational thought. My camera crew colleagues, meanwhile, were calmly
discussing gun calibre and overtime rates. That particular night, we were holed
up in a shabby room with an iron bed. It was draped in grey sheets that made
you scratch just to look at them. I was already rattled by the day’s events, the
incessant gunfire and lice was truly insufferable! In the itchy, noisy darkness, I 15
fell to thinking about all the other strange nights I had spent away from home as
a foreign correspondent.

3 There was the night I had sailed a chartered fishing boat through the Turks’
invasion fleet, I looked forward to capturing first hand its preparation to invade
Cyprus. Some years later, I was trapped in a United Nations post in war torn 20
Yugoslavia for several hilarious nights. The post was manned by Danish
policemen, liberally supplied with good meat and wine, as well as several
thousand pornographic magazines sent by sympathetic colleagues on the
Copenhagen vice squad. And the worst of all, was a night in Pakistan. A
scorpion beneath my bed sheets eyeballed me. Even though I was totally 25
prepared for such critters, the fact that it gave me the slip meant sleep was out
of the question. I would never forget the faces of the inmates in a Peruvian
maximum security prison. I made my way then, as an undercover prisoner,
towards the cell of a major drug lord who had promised me an exclusive
interview. 30

4 I have spent most of my adult life doing the world’s most wonderful job. I am
actually paid, handsomely, to go all over the world to see the most fascinating,
the most important and the most entertaining things that might be happening. It
is a life of hasty departures, complex airline schedules, satellites and deadlines.
Few people wake up each morning not knowing for certain they will ever be on 35
the same continent by nightfall. I often thought about my family. My wife and
kids miss me dearly. Our social life is a series of gambles, our last four holidays
were disrupted.
5 The opportunity I had wanted for years finally came up – to become a proper
foreign correspondent in Africa – a continent which fascinates me. There is 40
much beauty and ugliness, as well as fertility and famine. To drive a nail further
into the coffin, it is a continent of barely realizable dreams and fading hope. The
harsh African sun shines on complex issues: the supremacy of one race over
another, bloody tribal wars, brutal dictators, and of course, the ultimate human
issue… survival itself. My African experience was priceless, in fact, it changed 45
me forever.

6 A year ago a trainee journalist asked me what was the most important advice I
would give a would-be correspondent. “Don’t have your injections in the bum if
you’ve got a long flight,” I said. If I was asked that question now, I would say –
“Stay human.” I would probably also add – “Don’t tell anybody else about your 50
job, or they’ll all want to do it.”
Text 4 – Follow The News by Michael Marland

1 A keen reporter must sometimes feel that it is worth anything to get the
information he wants for his story, but other people may feel equally that they
do not want to be pestered. They certainly do not want their privacy invaded or
their secrets recounted or exposed. Very young reporters are apt to be swayed
more by the excitement of getting scoops than by the ethics of the profession. 5
What, then, are the occasions on which it is not right to try to get information?

2 The most obvious example is by using false pretences. Sometimes reporters

get in to meetings or persuade people to talk by pretending they are members
or friends. Such blatant misappropriation of others’ identities is outrageous. The
disguise of motives on the other hand is far more insidious. It is one that masks 10
the fact that an attack is taking place. Journalists often portray themselves as
merely asking questions, reporting what others say or describing events.
Everyone knows a verbal mugging is actually taking place that may leave the
designated victim stripped of the self-defence provided by an effective and
unbiased image. 15

3 A different type of problem arises if someone who has had a serious family
accident is phoned or visited by large numbers of reporters. One can imagine,
for instance, that the parents of a boy who had been killed in a gruesome fatal
crash might well not want to talk about their son’s accident at all. Similarly, the
relatives of a man convicted of a scandalous crime may well prefer to keep their 20
feelings to themselves.

4 There are simpler problems of courtesy when people deserve to be left alone.
Reporters have been known to ring potential leads in the wee hours of the
morning. Celebrities are all too familiar with paparazzi who stalk them 24/7.
Granted, there is indeed a price for fame and power of influence. It is also true 25
though, to have one’s private life scrutinized by long distance lens and
sophisticated spying devices is an unwelcome intrusion. Princess Diana’s
untimely death is a classic case of ruthless reporters who went too far.

5 An interesting case once involved the magistrates’ association of a small town

which drew up a list of suggested penalties for motoring offences. Before this 30
list was officially legislated, it fell into the hands of a daily paper. The latter
published it immediately. When confronted by the association’s members, the
paper exploited a loophole and replied that the matter was of public interest. An
appointed lawyer proceeded to argue that every page of the document was
printed “Confidential. To members of the Association only.” Since the paper 35
represented the public and is not a member of the association, the paper need
not abide by the word “Confidential”.
6 Finally, there is “chequebook” journalism. This is the practice of paying criminals
who have become famous (or infamous) to write their memoirs or divulge
exclusive details. Obviously the worse the crime, the higher the price the paper 40
would be willing to pay. A glaring objection to such a practice is – it is wrong to
reward a criminal. Committing a crime becomes glamorous and exciting. People
should not be drawn towards an unhealthy interest in crime.

7 We expect, then, news providers and the reporters they hire to consider
whether the method they are using to obtain information for the paper or 45
programme is fair and reasonable. They must make sure the process of news
gathering does not disturb or offend the individuals concerned.
 Section B [20 marks]
Refer to Text 3 for questions 1-11.

1 Quote two words in paragraph 1 which suggest the likelihood of instability and
chaos.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [1]

2 The writer and the camera crew responded very differently to the crossfire. Quote
specific phrases from paragraph 2 to indicate this contrast.

(a) Writer’s response:

......................................................................................................................

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

(b) Camera crew’s response:

......................................................................................................................

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

3 What is implied about the sheets when the writer said “made you scratch just to
look at them.” (lines 13-14)

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [1]

4 Comment on the irony of a particular episode in paragraph 3.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [2]

5 Refer to paragraph 3. What do the following actions tell us about the writer?

(a) looked forward to capturing firsthand:

......................................................................................................................

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]
 (b) I was totally prepared for such critters:

......................................................................................................................

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

6 Identify three pieces of evidence in paragraph 4 to prove that a journalist’s life is

truly unpredictable but rewarding.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………….. [3]

7 Identify a negative quality, that is personal, about being a journalist.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

8 Refer to paragraph 5. Explain how the writer has used language to tell the reader
that the African continent is a fascinating location for a journalist. Identify two
details to support your answer.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [2]

9 What does the writer wish to convey by using an ellipsis in line 45?

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [1]
10 Suggest a reason the writer would advise a trainee journalist to “Stay human.”
(line 50).

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [1]

11 Examine the entire passage and then decide from which paragraphs (there is no
repetition) are the following ideas found respectively and quote an appropriate
evidence to support your answer.

Idea Paragraph Evidence

Immense reward

Reminiscence

Contentment

From bad to worse

[4]
 Section C [10 marks]
Refer to Text 4 for questions 12-17.

12 In line 2, the word “equally” is used to show contrast between two groups and
their opinions. How are their opinions a contrast?

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [1]

13 Comment on the image “verbal mugging” (line 13).

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [2]

14 There are two examples in paragraph 3 which concern an invasion of privacy.

State clearly, in your own words, how are these examples considered an
invasion.

(a) Boy in fatal crash:

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

(b) Man convicted of scandal:

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

15 Explain the writer’s mixed feelings concerning celebrities being victims.

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………………

……………………………………………………...………………………………….. [2]
 "It is unacceptable that your paper LAWYER representing the local
published the penalties for paper:
motoring offences!” –
“The matter is of public
REPRESENTATIVE of the interest.”
Magistrates’ Association

16 What reasons does the representative from the Magistrates’ Association have to
back up his claim of unacceptability and how did the lawyer appointed by the
local paper exploit a loophole?

(a) Magistrates’ Association’s representative:

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

(b) Lawyer of the local paper:

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………….. [1]

17 Based on acceptable ethics, what in your opinion should a journalist do, instead
of resorting to blatant “chequebook” journalism?
……………………………………………………...……………………………………………….

……………………………………………………...……………………………………………….

……………………………………………………...…………………………………………… [1]
Reference answers:

1 Quote two words in paragraph 1 which suggest the likelihood of instability and
chaos.

The two words are ‘anarchy’ and ‘disrupt’. [1]

2 The writer and the camera crew responded very differently to the crossfire. Quote
specific phrases from paragraph 2 to indicate this contrast.

(a) Writer’s response: ‘scared beyond rational thought’. [1]

(b) Camera crew’s response: ‘calmly discussing gun calibre’. [1]

3 What is implied about the sheets when the writer said “made you scratch just to
look at them.” (lines 13-14)

They were very dirty and gross looking. [1]

4 Comment on the irony of a particular episode in paragraph 3.

It was the police who supplied the pornography. It is highly unlikely that officers
of the law would be responsible for possessing and providing morally
questionable items for the writer’s entertainment. But in this case, it was so,
hence the irony. [2]

5 Refer to paragraph 3. What do the following actions tell us about the writer?

(a) looked forward to capturing firsthand: brave, reckless, competitive. [1]

(b) I was totally prepared for such critters: experienced. [1]

6 Identify three pieces of evidence in paragraph 4 to prove that a journalist’s life is

truly unpredictable but rewarding.

paid handsomely – rewarded materially (money/salary)

travel over the world, witness firsthand the most recent, fascinating and
entertaining things or events.
unpredictable – a reporter goes to wherever/whenever a newsworthy event
unfolds, hence the hasty departures, needing to leave at a minute’s notice
a journalist is in one continent in the morning and could be in another by nightfall.
[3]
7 Identify a negative quality, that is personal, about being a journalist.

Any semblance of a fulfilling family life or quality time spent, is an illusion. OR

There were many ruined vacations. [1]

8 Refer to paragraph 5. Explain how the writer has used language to tell the reader
that the African continent is a fascinating location for a journalist. Identify two
details to support your answer.

The writer uses contrasting pairs – “beauty and ugliness’ to convey the visual
extremes in Africa. Our sense of sight is bombarded by what is pleasant and off-
putting at the same time. African countries face both ‘fertility and famine’. This
reality forces the reader to grasp the mindboggling notions of abundance and
deprivation.
Then there is a vivid metaphor – ‘To drive a nail further into the coffin’.
Breakdown: coffin = Africa, corpse = an African, nail(s) = adverse conditions.
The metaphor reminds us that the African individual is trapped by adverse
situations (nails). The African individual is condemned to eternal hardship. [2]

9 What does the writer wish to convey by using an ellipsis in line 45?

It conveys dramatic pause. Readers are effectively led to the issue of survival
and register its gravity. [1]

10 Suggest a reason the writer would advise a trainee journalist to “Stay human.”
(line 50).

He wanted the trainee to preserve his sanity because he is going to confront

issues that are traumatic and disturbing. [1]

11 Examine the entire passage and then decide from which paragraphs (there is no
repetition) are the following ideas found respectively and quote an appropriate
evidence to support your answer. [4]

Idea Para Evidence

Immense reward 5 ‘my African experience was priceless’
Reminiscence 3 ‘there was the night I had sailed …’
Contentment 4 ‘the world’s most wonderful job’
‘already rattled by the day’s events, the
From bad to worse 2 incessant gunfire and lice was truly
insufferable!’
12 In line 2, the word “equally” is used to show contrast between two groups and
their opinions. How are their opinions a contrast?

Reporters want vital information, while those targetted to be interviewed would

resist divulging such information.[1]

13 Comment on the image “verbal mugging” (line 13).

To be mugged is to be robbed. In this case it refers to words being

misappropriated and exploited. An individual being interviewed discovered that
the information he had shared with the reporter was distorted and twisted out of
context by the latter.[2]

14 There are two examples in paragraph 3 which concern an invasion of privacy.

State clearly, in your own words, how are these examples considered an
invasion.

(a) Boy in fatal crash: death has occurred and grieving members of the family
are not obliged to repeat the tragedy whenever a reporter comes calling.
[1]

(b) Man convicted of scandal: is most likely embarrassed and ashamed of

what has happened that infringes on dignity. [1]

15 Explain the writer’s mixed feelings concerning celebrities being victims.

He feels that celebrities deserve their privacy. And yet again, there is a price for
being famous. As such they are obliged to sacrifice their privacy. [2]

16 What reasons does the representative from the Magistrates’ Association have to
back up his claim of unacceptability and how did the lawyer appointed by the
local paper exploit a loophole?

(a) Magistrates’ Association’s representative: it is a confidential document and

these penalties have not been formally legislated. [1]

(b) Lawyer of the local paper: The confidentiality of said document applies to
members of the association, not the reporter. The public also has a right to
know. [1]

17 Based on acceptable ethics, what in your opinion should a journalist do, instead
of resorting to blatant “chequebook” journalism?
A journalist can persuade the criminal to tell him the details or he can resort to
legitimate means of research and investigation. [1]