READING COMPREHENSION #1

The structure of a news article

A news article follows a specific structure often referred to as the "5 Ws and H" - who,
what, when, where, why, and how. This structure ensures that the most crucial information
is conveyed promptly. Additionally, news articles often adhere to the inverted pyramid
structure, placing the most critical details at the beginning and progressively delving into
less essential information.

The "5 Ws and H" dictate that a news story must answer:
● Who: Identifies the main characters or individuals involved.
● What: Describes the event or incident being reported.
● When: Specifies the time or date when the event occurred.
● Where: Pinpoints the location of the event.
● Why: Explains the reasons or causes behind the event.
● How: Details the method or manner in which the event took place.

The inverted pyramid structure prioritizes information by placing the most crucial details in
the lead paragraph or headline and follows with supporting details in descending order of
importance. This structure allows readers to grasp the essential facts even if they only read
the beginning of the article.
QUESTIONS

1: What does the "5 Ws and H" stand for in journalism?

a) Four basic questions and two extra.
b) Essential information about weather events.
c) Who, what, when, where, why, and how.
d) Names of news reporting agencies.
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2: Which part of the news article answers the question "When did the event occur?"
a) Conclusion.
b) Beginning.
c) Middle.
d) Headline.
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3: What does the inverted pyramid structure prioritize in a news article?
a) Least important details first.
b) Most important details first.
c) A random order of information.
d) Only visuals and images.
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4: What is the purpose of the "Who" aspect in the "5 Ws and H"?
a) To identify the writer of the article.
b) To describe the event being reported.
c) To explain the reasons behind the event.
d) To identify the main characters involved.
​

5: Which part of a news article usually contains the most critical information?
a) Conclusion.
b) Middle.
c) Beginning.
d) Anywhere in the article.
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6: Why is the inverted pyramid structure useful in news writing?
a) It confuses the reader.
b) It allows readers to grasp essential facts quickly.
c) It hides important information.
d) It's only used for opinion pieces.
7: What is the function of the "Why" aspect in the "5 Ws and H"?
a) To describe the event being reported.
b) To identify the main characters involved.
c) To explain the reasons behind the event.
d) To specify the time or date.

8: In the inverted pyramid structure, where is the supporting detail placed?

a) Middle.
b) Conclusion.
c) Beginning.
d) Nowhere in the article.
READING COMPREHENSION #2

The Crucial Role of Journalism in Society

Journalism stands as the essential conduit through which information flows, shaping our
understanding of the world. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the dark corners of
ignorance and fostering an informed populace. Through investigative reporting, it unravels
hidden truths and exposes societal injustices, holding power accountable and ensuring a
checks-and-balances system in our communities.

Moreover, journalism plays a pivotal role in nurturing democracy. By presenting various

perspectives and holding diverse opinions, it empowers citizens to make well-informed
decisions. This ability to access different viewpoints and critically analyze information is
fundamental to a healthy, functioning democracy.

Quality journalism embodies objectivity, presenting facts without bias or distortion. This
commitment to truth is the bedrock of trust between journalists and their audience. When
journalism maintains its ethical standards, respecting privacy, verifying sources, and
avoiding sensationalism, it reinforces its credibility, crucial in an era where misinformation
proliferates.

The freedom of the press is vital for a vibrant society. It ensures that information is not
suppressed or manipulated by authorities, allowing journalists to report without fear of
reprisal.
QUESTIONS

1: What is one of the primary goals of journalism?

a) To spread biased information.
b) To provide accurate and objective information.
c) To manipulate information for convenience.
d) To hide certain events from society.
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2: Why is journalism important for a democratic society?
a) Because it informs only a select group of people.
b) Because it contributes to transparency and accountability.
c) Because it limits freedom of expression.
d) Because it only presents positive news.
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3: What does objectivity in journalism mean?
a) Presenting personal opinions on events.
b) Presenting facts in an impartial and balanced manner.
c) Always favoring a specific perspective.
d) Not verifying the accuracy of information.

4: What role does journalism play in society?

a) To entertain society.
b) To be an instrument for critical analysis and reflection.
c) To misinform for controversy.
d) To be a tool for government control.

5: What is the function of investigative journalism?

a) To only present superficial news.
b) To research and reveal hidden or unknown information.
c) To ignore the accuracy of facts.
d) To disseminate sensationalist news.

6: Why is press freedom important in journalism?

a) Because it limits diversity of opinions.
b) Because it allows journalists to report without censorship.
c) Because it restricts relevant information.
d) Because it permits only one type of journalistic content.
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7: What is one of the ethical principles of journalism?
a) Disregard for the accuracy of information.
b) Respecting individuals' privacy.
c) Manipulating facts to attract an audience.
d) Not conducting in-depth investigations into events.

8: Why is quality journalism necessary?

a) Because only quick information is needed.
b) Because it contributes to credibility and trust in the news.
c) Because only sensationalist news should be presented.
d) Because it's not important to cross-reference different sources.

9: What impact can journalism have on society?

a) Generating misinformation and confusion.
b) Encouraging critical reflection and citizen participation.
c) Limiting access to information.
d) Not influencing public opinion.

10: How can citizens contribute to more robust journalism?

a) By not consuming news.
b) By demanding transparency and accuracy in information.
c) By sharing only unverified news.
d) By avoiding questioning the information presented.
READING COMPREHENSION #3

Fake News: Sorting Fact from Fiction

In today's digital age, misinformation spreads like wildfire. Fake news, deliberately fabricated or
misleading information, permeates social media and news platforms, causing confusion and
distrust.

These stories, designed to attract attention or serve specific agendas, often lack credible sources
or verification. The consequences are profound, influencing public opinion, elections, and even
public health decisions. To combat this, critical thinking and fact-checking are crucial.

Questioning sources, verifying information, and consulting multiple reliable outlets can help
distinguish fact from fiction. Moreover, media literacy education plays a pivotal role in
empowering individuals to navigate the sea of information online. By being vigilant and
discerning consumers of news, we can curb the impact of fake news on society.

Are the following sentences true (T) or false (F)?

1) ___ Fake news is deliberately fabricated or misleading information.

2) ___ Fake news has a limited impact on public opinion.
3) ___ Source verification is crucial in distinguishing between facts and falsehoods.
4) ___ Fake news only affects the political sphere.
5) ___ Media literacy education is useless in combating fake news.
6) ___ The digital age has increased the spread of fake news.
7) ___ Misinformation can influence public health decisions.
8) ___ Fake news is always easy to identify.
9) ___ Fake news does not affect society.
10) ___ Critical thinking is not useful in countering fake news.