6 Week 6: Understanding News Sources
Week 6: Navigating the News Landscape
This week, we dive into the world of journalism, exploring the vast array of news sources available to us, from print to digital to social media. Understanding how to identify reliable news is vital in staying informed and making knowledgeable decisions.
We’ll introduce journalism-related vocabulary and discuss the significance of credible news sources in upholding democracy. Through interactive activities, you’ll learn how to discern quality journalism and begin to analyze news articles for credibility.
Activities and Resources
- Introduction to Journalism Vocabulary – A fun way to learn terms related to news and reporting.
- Reading on Journalism’s Role – Engage with articles on the importance of journalism in democracy.
- Discuss: Why Journalism is a Foundation of Democracy – Share your thoughts on how trustworthy sources influence democracy.
- Listen to How Journalists Find News – Hear from journalists about their work and building credible stories.
- Practice Suffix -ist
- Avoiding Sentence Fragment – Identify and practice correcting common sentence fragments.
- Identify Verb Tenses in News Headlines – Recognize the use of simple present and past tenses in news reporting.
- Reflection on News Sources – Write about the news sources you use and trust.
- Project on Analyzing News Articles – Guidelines to start your project on evaluating the credibility of a news article.
Understanding News Sources: A Student’s Guide
6.0 Warm Up
Listen to 5 minutes of News BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsmz
6.1 Vocabulary: Introduction to Journalism and Media
Understanding the Basics
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is a vital part of the mass media industry, which includes various forms of communication that reach a large audience. There are two primary types of journalism: print and broadcast.
Print journalism refers to newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other printed publications. It is a traditional form of media where information is delivered through written articles. These articles are often divided into different sections such as news, sports, entertainment, and opinion.
Broadcast journalism, on the other hand, involves the delivery of news and information through television and radio. With the addition of technology, broadcast journalism has expanded to include cable news channels and online streaming services. These platforms provide 24-hour news coverage, allowing viewers to stay updated with current (recent) events.
The Role of Reporters
A reporter is a person who investigates and writes news stories. Reporters have a significant role in journalism by bringing important issues to the public’s attention. They cover a wide range of topics, from local news in small communities to international events.
Reporters must be skilled in both writing and speaking, as they often have to present their findings in both print and broadcast formats. Their primary goal is to inform the public, but they also aim to entertain and engage their audience with interesting stories.
The Impact of Mass Media
The term mass media includes all platforms that deliver news and information to the public, including print, broadcast, and digital media. The impact of mass media on society is powerful; it shapes public opinion, highlights important issues, and provides a basis for discussion and debate.
Mass media can be divided into various categories based on how it gets to people:
- Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, and journals that provide in-depth coverage and analysis of current events.
- Broadcast Media: Television and radio channels that deliver news and information quickly and effectively.
- Digital Media: Online news websites, social media platforms, and blogs that offer instant access to information.
Staying Informed
In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about current events is more important than ever. By understanding the different forms of media and their roles, individuals can become more discerning consumers of news. Whether it’s through reading a print article in a newspaper, watching a news broadcast on cable TV, or following a reporter’s updates online, staying informed helps individuals make educated decisions and participate actively in their communities.
Journalism and media are essential components of our daily lives. They not only inform us about what is happening in the world but also entertain and engage us with a variety of content.
By exploring different sections of a newspaper or tuning into various broadcast channels, you can enhance your language skills while staying updated on important issues. Embrace the world of journalism and media, and let it enrich your understanding of the world around you.
Use the vocabulary to answer the questions with a partner.
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- Describe a recent news article you read and explain why it was interesting to you.
- What is your favorite news broadcast and why do you prefer it over others?
- Why should people to stay updated on current events?
- Do you think it is more important for journalists to inform or entertain?
- What is an important issue in your country? Can you think of an issue that isn’t reported on but probably should be?
- What section of the newspaper would you read first? (Sports, National, Local, Opinion, International, Business & Finance, Entertainment, Weather, Health, Travel, Science & Technology, etc.)
6.2 Reading | Unraveling the Web of Misinformation: How to Spot False News
In today’s world, where we have easy access to all kinds of information, it’s becoming harder to tell what is true and what is false. Misinformation (false information spread by mistake) and disinformation (false information spread on purpose to mislead people) are common in news outlets, social media, and websites. Learning to spot misinformation is important. Here are some simple steps to help you identify false news:
Check the Source
- Trustworthy Sources: Start by looking at where the news story comes from. Reliable news outlets follow strict rules to be sure the story is correct and fair. Look for well-known sources like major newspapers, TV networks, and news agencies. Be careful with news from unknown websites, blogs, or social media accounts without verified credentials.
Verify the Information
- Cross-Check: Before you believe or share a news story, make sure to check if it’s accurate. Compare the information with other sources to see if it’s true. If only one source reports it or there is no supporting evidence, it might be unreliable. Look for quotes, statistics, and data that back up the news.
Examine the Headline
- Sensational Headlines: Misinformation often has eye-catching headlines meant to attract attention. Check if the headline seems exaggerated or unbelievable, for example “Scientists Discover Fountain of Youth – Drink This One Juice and Live Forever!” Misleading headlines might not represent the article’s content accurately. Always read the full article to understand the complete story.
Assess the Tone and Language
- Emotional Language: Notice the tone and words used in the article. Misinformation might use emotional, provocative, or sensational language to provoke strong reactions. An example would be “These GMOs Are Poisoning Our Children! Protect Your Family Now!” Be cautious of articles that try to scare or anger you. Reliable news presents facts in a neutral and balanced way.
Evaluate the Source’s Reputation
- Source History: Think about the reputation of the source. Has it posted false or biased information before? Is it known for honest and accurate journalism? Be skeptical of news from sources with a history of misinformation.
Check for Bias
- Editorial Perspective: Every news outlet has its own perspective, which might influence how they present news. Be aware of their political or commercial biases. To get a full understanding of an issue, compare news from multiple sources with different viewpoints.
Spotting misinformation requires careful attention and a critical mind. By checking the source, verifying the information, examining the headline and language, assessing the source’s reputation and bias, and using fact-checking organizations, you can become a more informed and responsible news reader. In today’s world, being vigilant against misinformation is crucial to maintain the truth and accuracy in journalism.
Discuss in Pairs
- Using the reading, explain how people can develop better habits for consuming news and information critically? (Summarize what you’ve read)
- In your opinions, who should teach critical thinking skills like evaluating new sources?
6.3 Discuss: Why Journalism is a Foundation of Democracy
The idea of “democracy” is a system of government where the people hold power. Democracy thrives when the public have knowledge about their world. This is where journalism steps in, acting as the strength of a healthy democratic society. Journalists play a critical role in holding power accountable, informing the public, and encouraging community involvement.
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Informing the Public: Journalists uncover truths and present them to the public. This empowers citizens to make informed decisions about their communities and governments.
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Holding Power Accountable: A free press keeps a watchful eye on those in power. Journalists can expose wrongdoing, inefficiency, and abuse of power. This ensures that elected officials are held responsible for their actions and that the public trust stays strong.
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Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Journalism provides a platform for the unheard. It shines a light on the struggles of marginalized communities and promotes diverse perspectives. This fosters empathy and understanding within a society.
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Encouraging Civic Engagement: An informed public is an engaged public. Journalism sparks dialogue and debate on important issues, motivating citizens to participate in the democratic process. Whether it’s voting, attending town halls, or advocating for change, journalism empowers citizens to be active participants in their democracy.
Discussion Questions
In small groups, discuss the questions below.
- How can everyday citizens use news information to be more involved in democracy? (Think beyond just voting.)
- Can you remember a news story where journalists exposed something wrong done by powerful people? How did it affect the situation?
- Why is it important for news to give a voice to people who are often unheard?
- How can we, as individuals, support good journalism?
- Why is local news important? How can communities help their local news outlets?
- Why is international news important?
6.4 Listening Activity – Finding the News
Before you listen, make a short list: how has the news changed since 1950? Where does the news come from and how is it gathered?
Listen to the BBC report on how journalists find the news and learn how they create the news of today.
Before listening to “How do Journalists Find and Verify Information?”, read through the comprehension questions. Listen twice. Answer the questions.
- What are “sources”?
- How do journalists verify information from anonymous (unidentified) sources?
- Why is it important for journalists to verify information before publishing a story?
- What are some of the things reporters look for when gathering information?
6.5 Suffix – ist
Discuss: What is your job now? What is your dream job? What hobbies do you have? What hobbies would you like to take up?
When “-ist” is added to a noun, it creates a new noun that refers to someone who performs an action related to the original noun (artist:a person who creates art, journalist: a person who writes for newspapers, magazines, or news websites, scientist: a person who studies or practices science, pianist:a person who plays the piano). It can also mean someone who believes in a particular philosophy or system (optimist- often expects positive things).
Sentence Creation Activity:
Read the words below. Write a sentence that describes the meaning. What is something that this person would probably do?
Here is an example: The environmentalist organized a forest clean-up event.
- Genealogist (researching family history)
- Linguist (studying languages)
- Yogist (practices yoga)
- Psychologist (studying the mind and behavior)
- Ophthalmologist (treating eye conditions)
6.6 Avoiding Sentence Fragments
What Are Sentence Fragments?
Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences.
Examples and Revisions
Here are some examples of sentence fragments (in red) and their possible revisions (in blue). Notice that fragments are often dependent clauses or long phrases that should be connected to the main clause.
Fragment: The concert was fantastic. Especially the final song.
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- Revision: The concert was fantastic, especially the final song.
No Main Verb
Fragment: A movie with an intriguing plot and memorable characters.
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- Revision:
- She watched a movie with an intriguing plot and memorable characters.
- Revision:
No Subject
Fragment: With the goal of improving customer satisfaction.
- Revision: The goal is to improve customer satisfaction.
Correct the fragments in the chart below.
6.7 Identifying simple present and simple past in the news
Both simple present and simple past verb tenses are common in news headlines.
Simple Present and Simple Past
- Simple Present Tense:
- Used for general truths, habitual actions, and current events.
- Example: “The mayor announces new policies.”
- Simple Past Tense:
- Used for actions completed at a specific time in the past.
- Example: “The mayor announced new policies yesterday.”
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Identify the Tense: Read each headline carefully and identify whether it is written in the simple present tense or the simple past tense.
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Underline the Verb: Underline the verb in each headline to help you determine the tense.
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Class Discussion: Be prepared to explain why you think each verb is in the simple present or simple past tense.
- “Mayor Announced New Environmental Policies Yesterday”
- “City Implements New Recycling Program”
- “Government Launched Health Awareness Campaign Last Month”
- “Scientists Discover New Planet in Solar System”
- “Company Released Latest Smartphone Model Last Week”
- “School District Adopts New Teaching Methods”
- “Weather Forecasters Predicted Heavy Rainfall Last Weekend”
- “Museum Opens New Art Exhibition”
- “Local Community Organized Charity Event Last Summer”
- “Sports Team Wins Championship Title”
6.8 Write about news sources that you trust
For this assignment, write a paragraph (8-10 sentences) about the news sources you use and trust. Consider the following points to guide your writing:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the importance of reliable news sources.
- Sources: Identify the specific news sources you use (e.g., BBC, CNN, The New York Times, local newspapers, online platforms).
- Reasons for Trust: Explain why you trust these sources. Consider factors such as accuracy, reputation, journalistic standards, and personal experiences.
- Comparison: Compare these sources to others you find less reliable and explain why.
- Conclusion: Conclude by reflecting on how these trusted news sources impact your understanding of current events.
6.9 Project: Online Investigation
To end this unit, you will investigate a news article that you choose. Then, you will create a Google Slide that shows what you learned about the news article.