Section 1 — The News
8 key phrases
Session 2 Key Phrases: The language of power
Use these phrases to analyze and discuss framing, bias, and rhetoric in English — the language of a sophisticated reader.
Notice the framing here.analytical phrase
Use when: pointing out how a story is constructed to favor a particular interpretation
A phrase that invites others to step back from the content and examine the container. One of the most powerful things you can say in any discussion of news.
"Before we discuss what the article says, notice the framing here — the headline calls it a 'tragedy' rather than a 'disaster'. What's the difference?"
That's loaded language.critical phrase
Use when: identifying a word or phrase that carries strong emotional bias
Signals that you are reading at the level of language, not just content. A mark of analytical sophistication.
"Calling them 'invaders' rather than 'migrants' — that's loaded language. It predetermines how the audience will feel before they've read a single fact."
What's the spin on this?evaluative question
Use when: asking how information is being selectively presented to favor one side
A natural, informal phrase for questioning the angle of a story or statement. Used widely in journalism and politics.
"The press conference sounded confident, but what's the spin on this? They only answered questions they'd pre-selected."
This is the dominant narrative.analytical phrase
Use when: identifying the main interpretation that most media coverage is presenting
Points to the fact that one story is being told above all others — and implicitly asks: what alternative narratives exist?
"The dominant narrative in Western media is that this is a humanitarian crisis. In the region itself, it's described as a political dispute. Both narratives are real — they just serve different purposes."
I'd call that a euphemism.critical phrase
Use when: identifying polite or indirect language used to hide an uncomfortable reality
Shows you are reading beneath the surface of the language to the reality being softened or hidden.
"When they say 'workforce optimization', I'd call that a euphemism. It means firing people."
This appeals to emotion, not evidence.analytical distinction
Use when: noting that a rhetorical argument is emotional rather than factual
A key distinction in any discussion of persuasion and bias. Rhetoric uses emotion; evidence uses fact. Understanding the difference makes you a better thinker and speaker.
"The campaign ad is powerful — but this appeals to emotion, not evidence. There's not a single verifiable fact in it."
Every word choice is a political choice.conceptual phrase
Use when: making the general point that language in journalism is never neutral
Captures the central insight of Session 2 in one memorable phrase.
"Some people think journalism is just reporting facts. But every word choice is a political choice — from what's covered to how it's described."
How would the other side frame this?analytical question
Use when: practicing perspective-taking by imagining the opposing framing
Forces a step away from a single narrative and builds the skill of seeing multiple framings simultaneously.
"We've seen how this outlet frames the immigration issue. Now — how would the other side frame this? What words would they use? What facts would they lead with?"