Modul5
Module 5 - How to read the news
Headlines, emotions and what lies beneath
Introduction
In the previous module, you learned:
- distinguish between fact, opinion and assumption,
- find the main idea of a text,
- what an argument, counterargument, and argumentative attack (foul) are.
Now we will take the next step and look at news reports. We read news reports on the internet, in newspapers, or on social media. Not all news reports are written in the same way.
What is a headline?
A headline is a short sentence at the beginning of a news story. Its purpose is to:
- attract attention,
- make people want to read on.
Headlines are usually short. However, they sometimes oversimplify things.
Why is it not enough to just read the headline?
Some people only read the headline. They do not read any further. This can be a problem because the headline:
- is often very short,
- can be misleading,
- may contain strong words,
- may not explain the whole context.
That is why it is important to read the entire text.
Emotions in news
Some texts use words that evoke emotions. These can be negative or positive.
For example, negative words can be:
- "shocking",
- "dangerous",
- "scandalous",
- "finally",
- "disaster,"
- "crisis",
- "fraud"...
Positive words could be, for example:
- "success"
- "victory"
- "unexpected"
- "best"
- "fantastic"...
Such words can:
- cause fear,
- cause anger,
- but also generate enthusiasm.
Emotions are not bad in themselves. But when they are too strong, they can negatively affect our thinking.
That is why it is good to slow down and think.
📌 Summary
- The headline should attract attention.
- It does not have to contain all the information.
- It is important to read the entire text.
- Strong words can influence our emotions.
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and select the correct answers to the questions.
Headline: "The European Union is revolutionising the rules!"
Text: "The European Commission has proposed changes to consumer protection rules. The proposal concerns online shopping. Member states will still have to discuss the changes."
Choose: What does the headline say?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ The headline says that the European Union is undergoing a revolution, a major change.
- ✅ The headline says that the European Union is changing the rules.
- ❌ The headline says that all European Union rules are being abolished.
What does the text say?
👀 Show solution
- ✅ The text says that a proposal has been put forward and the changes will be discussed.
- ❌ The text says that the European Union has decided on changes to the laws and all member states must comply.
- ❌ The text says that each country can set its own rules for online shopping.
Does the headline contain all the information from the text?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes. All the important information is included in the headline and everything is clear from the headline.
- ✅ No. For example, the headline does not mention that this is only a proposal at this stage.
Does the headline contain a strong or emotive word?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ No, it does not.
- ❌ The word "rules" can come across as emotive.
- ✅ The word "revolutionary" can come across as emotive.
✍️ Practical exercise 2: Read the text and answer the questions.
"The new measures will bring about fundamental changes. Experts are warning of serious consequences."
Find the words that may evoke emotions:
👀 Show solution
- ❌ "new measures"
- ✅ "fundamental changes"
- ❌ "experts"
- ✅ "serious consequences"
Can we tell from the text exactly what changes are involved?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes. The changes will be fundamental.
- ✅ No. The text does not provide any details.
Do we have enough information about what this involves?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes. We have all the information.
- ✅ No. We need more information.
💡 Conclusion from the exercises
When reading a news report:
- Do not just read the headline.
- Pay attention to strong words.
- Ask yourself: "Do I have all the information?"
- If you are unsure, it is okay to say: "I don't know."