Fact Checking and Media Literacy
In a world of information overload and social media, the ability to distinguish facts from opinions, identify bias, and verify sources is an essential literacy skill. Critical readers question what they read.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A fact is a statement that can be verified as true or false using evidence
An opinion is a personal belief or judgement that cannot be proven absolutely true
Bias occurs when information consistently favours one perspective over others
Reliable sources: peer-reviewed articles, official government data, reputable news organisations
Red flags for misinformation: no author, no date, extreme emotional language, no credible sources cited
Key Vocabulary
Fact
A statement that can be objectively verified as true or false
Opinion
A personal belief or judgement that reflects one's perspective, not an absolute truth
Bias
A tendency to present information in a way that unfairly favours one side
Credibility
The quality of being trusted and believed; a credible source is reliable and authoritative
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which of the following is a FACT rather than an opinion?
Question 2
You find an article online claiming a miracle cure for illness. Which step should you take FIRST to evaluate it?
Question 3
Which feature makes a source LESS credible?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A fact is a statement that can be verified as true or false using evidence
- ●An opinion is a personal belief or judgement that cannot be proven absolutely true
- ●Bias occurs when information consistently favours one perspective over others
- ●Reliable sources: peer-reviewed articles, official government data, reputable news organisations
- ●Red flags for misinformation: no author, no date, extreme emotional language, no credible sources cited