International Exam Practice - Communication, news and media

• New lesson editor
• English
• University

News and media

Reading, listening, speaking

What is the definition of the term fake news?

A

Biased reporting of real events

B

Fabricated or misleading information presented as news online or through other media

C

Different accounts of the same news story

Which of these statements is correct?

A

All news stories have some truth

B

All news stories have some false information

C

False news stories can spread faster than real news

How does fake news spread?

A

Using images/videos taken out of context or edited to fit a certain narrative

B

People re-sharing posts without checking other news sources

C

Using sensational clickbait headlines

How do you avoid falling for fake news?

A

Not believing anything you see

B

Checking the source, date and other credible news sites

C

Checking to see if your friends believe it

German cricket-flavored scoops

1

true

2

fake

Squirrels refusing to leave

1

true

2

fake

A mystery bus

1

true

2

fake

Sausage vending machines

1

true

2

fake

1. Trustworthy news is more important than ever because the world is going through a period of

__ and unpredictability.

2. ___are the main source of news for most web users.

3. People often tend to choose the version that most agrees with ____ when they are offered differing accounts of an event.

4. Sharing unverified news stories with social media friends contributes to the ___

of false information.

5. Investigative reporters try to bring to light the relationship between apparently ___

   events.

6. Objective investigative journalism can ___

the spread of fake

news.

7. Through their work, investigative reporters try to make it easier for us to ___

   the world in which we live.

Speaking

1. As future language professionals, which sources do you consider PERFECTLY reliable? Which seem COMPLETELY biased?

2. Do you think social media mainly aggravates the problem of fake news, or can it also boost access to trustworthy information?

3. Why do people tend to believe information that is “in tune” with their own views? Is this reaction PERFECTLY natural or potentially dangerous?

4. Does social media more often strengthen bonds between like-minded people, or does it exacerbate divisions in society?

5. Is the problem of fake news EXTREMELY complicated, or are the solutions actually simpler than we think?

6. How can emotionally charged language boost engagement but at the same time exacerbate divisions?

12

minute

00

second

+30 s

Adverb-adjective collocations

Media rarely says something is “important”. It says it is ABSOLUTELY essential or UTTERLY unacceptable.

Adverb–adjective combinations shape intensity, emotion and credibility.

Pair work

Take a card. Read collocations out loud. Identify which adjective is the odd one out.

Place expressions on the intensity scale.
Be prepared to explain your reasoning. Why does it belong there? What makes it stronger or weaker?

mild → moderate → strong → extreme

Rewrite a sentence "the professor announced a new assignment" using adverb-adjective collocations so it sounds:

• terrifying

• reassuring

• absurd