Media Literacy: Article Types, Language Features & Online Challenges Study Guide

What is the main purpose of a news report?

To inform the audience.

What are typical features of a feature article?

Anecdotes, descriptive language, interviews, and a human-interest angle.

What language style is commonly used in editorials?

Persuasive language with an authoritative voice.

What distinguishes an op-ed from other article types?

It presents an individual's viewpoint with personal voice and explicit opinion.

What is emotive language?

Language that provokes an emotional response from the audience.

How do rhetorical questions function in articles?

They encourage readers to consider or accept a viewpoint.

What role do statistics play in persuasive writing?

They add apparent precision and can strengthen credibility.

What is the purpose of expert testimony in articles?

To appeal to authority and enhance credibility.

What is an echo chamber?

A situation where people repeatedly encounter similar opinions, reinforcing existing beliefs.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is false information spread unintentionally, while disinformation is deliberately deceptive.

What challenges do algorithms present in online media?

They personalize content to influence what users see, potentially creating bias.

What is media bias?

Selection or presentation that favors a particular perspective.

How can sensational content affect engagement?

It can attract attention even when it lacks context or accuracy.

What is the significance of tone in writing?

It conveys the writer's attitude towards the subject matter.

What is the purpose of using anecdotes in articles?

To make abstract issues feel personal and relatable.

What should you check for verification of information?

Original sources, dates, authors, corroborating reports, and evidence.

How does an editorial's institutional voice influence its credibility?

It presents a collective stance that can be perceived as more authoritative.

What is the recommended structure for analyzing a technique in writing?

Technique or feature → evidence → effect → purpose or representation.

How can an echo chamber affect public opinion?

By reinforcing existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.

What is loaded language?

Language that frames a subject positively or negatively.

What is the role of headlines and images in articles?

To establish framing and attract attention.