New
New
How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?
I can explain the importance of reviewing media and critically analyse how media stories develop.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
How can we protect ourselves from misinformation?
I can explain the importance of reviewing media and critically analyse how media stories develop.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can protect oursleves from misinformation by checking the source for a history of false or biased information.
- We can also compare sources to see if the facts match; as well as consider why the story was written and if it's fair.
- We should also be aware of emotions used to influence opinions within the story.
- A media story goes through many checks as it's developed, but mistakes can still be made causing misinformation.
Keywords
Review - to look over something carefully
Verify - to confirm something is true or correct
Source - where information comes from
Journalist - a person who reports news
Editor - a person who checks and revises news content before it is published or broadcast
Common misconception
Final editorial checks mean the news is always factual and true.
Even though clear procedures are in place, errors can still occur; these could be due to human error, rushing or embelishing a story to generate more sales.
Compare the front page of The Sun during the initial Hillsborough report and the apology; this will help to contextulise learning. Pupils could also apply the review model to age appropriatte news stories.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Fill in the blanks: press is the right of media to publish news without government control.
Fill in the blanks: press is the right of media to publish news without government control.
Q2.Match the word to its definition.
Match the word to its definition.
Q3.Which of the following is true about journalism?
Which of the following is true about journalism?
Journalism is the same everywhere, with no risks involved.
All journalists have equal safety and freedom to report in every country.
Press freedom is not important for journalists in any country.
Q4.Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states ...
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states ...
everyone has the right to receive a fair trial.
everyone has the right to own property.
everyone has the right to seek asylum in other countries.
Q5.Complete this sentence: A foreign is a journalist who works from a foreign country.
Complete this sentence: A foreign is a journalist who works from a foreign country.
Q6.Which of the following is an example of an international organisation that works to protect journalists?
Which of the following is an example of an international organisation that works to protect journalists?
International News Association (INA)
World Journalists Alliance (WJA)
Global Media Safety Coalition (GMSC)
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its correct definition.
Match each word to its correct definition.
Q2.A journalist writes a news story, but before it is published, an checks it for mistakes and accuracy.
A journalist writes a news story, but before it is published, an checks it for mistakes and accuracy.
Q3.Which of the following is the best way to check if a news source is reliable?
Which of the following is the best way to check if a news source is reliable?
Believe it if it has a catchy headline.
Trust it if lots of people are sharing it online.
Believe it if it makes you feel strongly about the topic.
Q4.Why is it important to compare sources when reading a news story?
Why is it important to compare sources when reading a news story?
to find the most entertaining version of the story
so you only read the source that agrees with your opinion
to get the quickest summary without needing to check details
Q5.A news story can still contain misinformation even after being checked because journalists and editors can make .
A news story can still contain misinformation even after being checked because journalists and editors can make .
Q6.How can emotions be used to influence opinions in a news story?
How can emotions be used to influence opinions in a news story?
by only including neutral and balanced facts
by presenting every viewpoint fairly
by avoiding any discussion of difficult topics
