Modul6
Module 6 - How to verify information
Sources, questions and critical reading
Introduction
In the previous module, you learned that headlines may not tell the whole story, and that certain words evoke emotions. Now we will take the next step. You will learn how to verify information. Not everything that is written or said is true.
Why is it important to verify information?
Information can be:
- inaccurate,
- simplified,
- taken out of context,
- or completely false.
Critical thinking means not accepting information immediately, but asking yourself: "How do we know this?"
Questions you can ask yourself
When you read a news report or receive information, ask yourself:
- Who is the author of the text or information?
- Where does the text or information come from?
- Are the sources listed — do we know where the information comes from?
- Are other websites writing about it, are other people saying it?
- Is the text or news item more informative, or is it trying to persuade?
You don't have to know the answer right away. Just ask questions or do some research.
What is a source?
A source is the place where the information comes from. For example:
- the official website of an institution,
- an expert,
- research or research report,
- a witness to an event,
- a publication...
When a text or message does not cite or refer to a source, it is wise to be cautious.
Beware of anonymous claims
Sometimes a text or person says:
- "Experts claim..."
- "People say..."
- "According to sources..."
But they don't say who specifically. This can be a problem and is a warning that the information needs to be verified.
📌 Summary
It is important to know:
- who wrote or communicated the information,
- where the information comes from,
- whether the information is confirmed by other sources.
Asking questions does not mean distrusting everything. It means thinking critically.
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and answer the questions.
"According to experts, the new European measure is very dangerous. Many people are concerned."
Do we know which experts are saying this?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes, we do – they are experts from the European Union.
- ✅ No, we don't know who these experts are.
Is a specific source of information given?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes, the source is cited.
- ✅ No, the source is not cited.
Do we have enough information?
👀 Show solution
- ❌ Yes, we have all the important information.
- ✅ No, we need more information.
✍️ Practical exercise 2: Read the text and answer the questions.
"The European Commission has published a draft of new rules on its official website. The draft is available to the public."
Is the source cited?
👀 Show solution
- ✅ Yes, the source is the official website.
- ❌ No, the source is not cited.
Can the information be verified?
👀 Show solution
- ✅ Yes, the information can be verified.
- ❌ No, such information cannot be verified.
Does the text seem more specific than Practical exercise 1?
👀 Show solution
- ✅ Yes, the text is more specific.
- ❌ No, the text is vague.
💡 Conclusion from practical exercises
When you read or receive information:
- ask who wrote it or who said it,
- look for the source of the information,
- see if the information is confirmed by other websites or people,
- if you are unsure, try to verify everything.
It is okay to say: "I don't know, I need to verify that."