Unit 18 – Fake News and Media Bias
Warm-up and Vocabulary
Welcome to Unit 2! Today, we are going to be ‘Digital Detectives.’ The internet is full of information, but not all of it is true. In this lesson, you will learn how to spot fake news and how to take good notes so you can write about these problems clearly. Are you ready to find the truth? Let’s get started!
Vocabulary List
Instruction: Read the list below carefully. You will need these words to understand the reading passages and take good notes.
- Hoax: A false story or trick spread as if it were true (fake news).
- Headline: The big title at the top of a news article.
- Source: Where the information comes from (e.g., a website, a person, a book).
- Verify: To check if something is true.
- Clickbait: A sensational headline designed to make you click, often exaggerating the truth.
- Bias: Favoring one side unfairly; not being neutral.
- Reliable: Trustworthy; can be believed.
- Viral: Spreading very fast on the internet.
- Fact: Something that can be proven true (e.g., “Water boils at 100°C”).
- Opinion: A personal feeling or belief (e.g., “Water tastes good”).
Activity 1: Let’s Discuss
Instruction: Look at the questions below. Think about your answers or discuss them with a partner.
- Have you ever received a broadcast message on WhatsApp that was not true (a hoax)? What was it about?
- Do you check the source of a news story before you share it on your Instagram story?
- Why do you think people create “Fake News” or “Clickbait”? Is it for money or just for fun?
Activity 2: Check Your Vocabulary
Material: Note-Taking Strategies
The “Hamburger” Method for Note-Taking
In the TOEFL test and university, you cannot write down everything you read. You must select only the most important parts. We will use the Hamburger Method.
1. The Top Bun: The Main Idea
- This is the most important point of the paragraph.
- It is usually the first or second sentence.
- Example: “Social media spreads information quickly.”
2. The Meat & Cheese: Key Details
- These are the facts that support the Main Idea.
- Do not write every word. Use Keywords (important nouns and verbs).
- Example: “Reaches millions,” “Instant sharing,” “Global connection.”
3. The Bottom Bun: The Conclusion
- A short summary or the final thought.
Pro-Tip: Abbreviations (Short Forms)
To write faster, use symbols:
- & (and)
- b/c (because)
- w/ (with)
- Info (information)
- –> (leads to / causes)
C. Skill Practice
Complete the following 4 exercises. Exercise 4 will require you to write notes.
Exercise 1: Word Search
Exercise 2: Fact vs. Opinion
 Read the sentences below. Decide if they are a FACT (can be proven) or an OPINION (personal feeling).
Exercise 3: Identifying the Main Idea
Read the short paragraph and choose the best Main Idea.
“Many people believe everything they see on the internet, but this is dangerous. Scammers use fake websites to steal personal data. Also, false health tips can make people sick. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check information before acting on it.”
Exercise 4: Note-Taking Practice (Writing Task)
 Read the short article below about “Clickbait”. Then, complete the “Note-Taking Outline” by filling in the missing information. Use short phrases, not full sentences.
Reading Passage:
“Clickbait is a type of headline designed to attract attention. Writers use sensational words like ‘SHOCKING’ or ‘YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS’ to make people curious. The goal is to get more page views, which earns the website more money from advertisements. However, the content of the article is often disappointing or unrelated to the headline.”