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News and Media: Critical Thinking Worksheets

Anything
Grade 12
English

News and Media: Critical Thinking Worksheets

Essential Questions

  1. Why is it important to critically evaluate the truthfulness of news media?
  1. What are the main functions of news in modern society?

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. According to the worksheet, what is a major reason why news might not always be true?
a) News is always objective and unbiased. b) News outlets are tightly controlled by governments or business interests. c) All news media are free from political bias. d) The internet does not affect news at all.
  1. Which is considered a key function of the news?
a) To confuse the public. b) To keep people informed about world events and current affairs. c) To spread rumors. d) To entertain only.
  1. What is one reason people may be more attracted to negative news headlines?
a) Positive news is easier to remember. b) Our brains have a negativity bias. c) Negative news is always false. d) Editors ban positive stories.
  1. Which solution is suggested to combat the prevalence of negative news coverage?
a) Editors should focus only on negative news. b) Editors should strive for a balance between negative and positive news. c) News should be sensationalized. d) News should never be analyzed.

Fill in the Blank Questions

[Word Bank: propaganda, public opinion, media literacy, negativity bias, breaking news]
  1. In many countries, news media have become instruments of _______.
  1. Through public relations firms, news media shape _______.
  1. The tendency to focus more on negative events is known as _______.
  1. Information and _______ should be taught at school due to the impact of news.
  1. Newspapers may focus more on background stories instead of _______.

True/False Questions

  1. True or False: All news media are completely free from political bias.
  1. True or False: One function of the news is to publicize government proclamations.
  1. True or False: Earthquakes and plane crashes happen slowly over time.
  1. True or False: News about conflicts and disasters helps inform us about our safety.
  1. True or False: Sunday papers that focus on the news of the week are only popular in developed countries.

Short Answer Questions

  1. Explain why media literacy is important for students in today's world.
  1. Briefly describe two ways news media can influence public opinion.
  1. What is meant by the term "negativity bias"?
  1. Give one reason why newspapers might struggle to survive in the digital age.
  1. Suggest one way grassroots movements can help redefine the concept of news.

Spot the Mistake Exercise

Identify the two arguments which are in the wrong category (For or Against) regarding the statement: "Newspapers Will One Day Disappear."
For
  • Competition from online media is squeezing out traditional print publishers.
  • Many newspapers have been forced to file for bankruptcy.
  • Increasingly, people are getting their news for free on the Internet.
  • Newspapers are losing revenue from advertising and classified ads.
  • Even newspapers which have a digital edition are struggling for survival.
Against
  • In some countries, free commuters’ newspapers are proving hugely popular.
  • It may take time, but newspapers are bound to adapt to new technologies and create a new business model.
  • In emerging economies, newspaper circulation is on the increase.
  • Newspapers will evolve and focus on background stories and analysis of global events instead of breaking news.
  • Sunday papers that focus on the news of the week are already highly popular in some parts of the world.

Vocabulary Exercise

Find the words and phrases in the sentences above that could be replaced with these:
  1. developing markets
  1. gratis
  1. inform the authorities that they do not have enough money to pay their debts
  1. information about something that has just happened
  1. making less money

Essay Question

Discuss the impact of fake news and political bias on society. How can individuals and schools help combat misinformation and promote media literacy? (250-300 words)