12 Angry Men
Understanding Journalism
Dependent/Independent Clauses
Simple Past/Past Progressive
Key Vocabulary
100
From the start of the play, this one juror stands for his belief and then slowly convinces the other jurors to side with him.
Who is Juror Number 8?
100

This is usually the very first paragraph of a news article, and it holds the most important information, including "who, what, where, when, why, and how."

What is "the Lead?"

100

Words such as "and," "so," "yet," "for," and "but" are usually used to start this kind of clause in a compound sentence.

What is an "independent clause?"

100

Use the past progressive to complete this sentence: While the bird __________________ (fly) through the air, I couldn't help but watch it.

"was flying"

100

Sympathy or concern for the misfortunes of others

What is "Compassion?"

200

Juror No. 4 changes his vote after Juror No. 8 finally proves that this piece of evidence could be suspect (or make him have a reasonable doubt).

What is the "eyewitness testimony" or "the neighbor woman's testimony"?

200

This shortened version of the lead is meant to catch the reader's attention and draw them into reading the article. It can usually be found at the very top of the page.

What is the "headline"?

200

Identify the independent clause in this sentence: "But if I don't make it to my train on time, I'll be late for my visit with Santa Claus!"

I'll be late for my visit with Santa Claus!

200

This is the simple past form of "read".

What is "read"? (Pronounced "red")

200

international press corps who compete for stories, usually of a sensational nature

What is "paparazzi"?

300

At the closing of the second act, Juror No. 8 is threatened by this Juror.

Who is Juror No. 3?

300

This writing technique puts the post important piece of information at the very start of a news article, with less and less important information falling below.

What is "the inverted pyramid" style?

300

Words such as “if,” “when,” “since,” “because,” and “although” usually start this kind of clause in a complex sentence.

What is a "dependent clause?"

300

A verb that changes a vowel sound in the middle of the word or a consonant sound at the end, instead of using a "-d" or "-ed" is considered one of these.

What is an "irregular verb"?

300

Saying something as an apology, or acting in a "sorry" way

What is "Apologetically?"

400

This juror, who believes strongly in freedom of speech and of fair trials, was originally from a different country.

Who is juror No. 11?

400

These important requirements for news depend on how new the story is, how much it affects people, how important it is, and how interesting it is.

What are "elements of the news"?

400

Identify the verb in the dependent clause: Since you lost your student card, I guess your pet snake will just have to live in your locker for the weekend.

What is "lost"?

400

This is the simple past form of the word "shake".

What is "shook?"

400

A story that goes further than straight news coverage, and usually focuses on the human interest elements of a situation or event.

What is "feature story?"

500

In the very first scene of 12 Angry Men, the judge tells all of the jurors to consider any of "these" they might have.

What are "Reasonable Doubts?"

500

This kind of information comes from a source such as an interview with a professional or witness, and is shown in a news article exactly the way it was said to a reporter.

What is a "direct quotation?"

500

Identify the subject of the Independent clause: Thanks to all of this wind that we've had, the fancy hat that my mom bought me is covered in dust, leaves, twigs and... Is this chocolate?

What is "hat"?

500

Use past progressive to complete this sentence: Even though she was a great animal wrangler, these insane baby squirrels __________________ (drive) Janet crazy. 

"were driving" 

500

Commands for the actors and directors to follow in making a play

Stage Directions

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