Use these questions to practice discussing news and media in English. The goal is to think critically, argue clearly, and express yourself with confidence.
Every day, thousands of events happen around the world — but only a tiny fraction become 'news'. Who decides what is newsworthy? What criteria do they use? Do you agree with their choices?
Try to use: newsworthiness, editorial judgment, gatekeeping, outlet
Think about the news you consumed yesterday. Where did it come from? How did you find it? Did you choose it, or did an algorithm choose it for you?
Try to use: source, outlet, media diet, filter bubble, coverage
Is a news story the truth — or a version of the truth? Can a story be factually accurate and still misleading? Give an example.
Try to use: framing, angle, spin, omission, bias
Is it possible to have a 'free press' if newspapers and TV channels are owned by corporations or billionaires? What would a truly independent media look like?
Try to use: editorial independence, vested interest, ownership, press freedom
How has social media changed the way you consume news? Is this change mostly positive, mostly negative, or complicated? What have we gained — and what have we lost?
Try to use: broadcast, breaking news, source, reliability, coverage
If you were the editor of a newspaper for one day, what story would you put on the front page — and why? What story currently in the news deserves more attention than it's getting?
Try to use: headline, editorial, newsworthiness, coverage, angle