Question

LISTEN to the news on CNN & summarize 3 important stories in 10 lines.

Answer 1

Directions:

Go to the CNN YouTube Channel and watch three videos.  Write a 10-line summary, or a short report, describing what you saw.  

Questions to consider when writing:

• Who were the subjects of the stories? (Men? Women? Children? Animals? Companies?)
• What was/were the main idea(s) being talked about in the video? 
• When were the stories taking place?  What day(s), month(s), or year(s)?
• Where did the stories happen?  What country/countries?  What cities/towns/villages?
• Why are these stories important?  Why are the ideas valuable for other people to know?
• How do you feel after listening to the stories?
• Are there any similarities between your life and the details described in the stories?  Are there any differences?
• Now that you know this information, what do you think you can do with this new knowledge?

Answer 2

Critical Thinking Exercise - Mass Media

Directions:

Go to the CNN YouTube Channel and browse (look around) the videos.  Look at the headlines and choose one video to watch.  After watching, try to answer the following questions related to the video:

1. Who is the target audience for this video?
2. What is the goal of the video?  What idea does it give the viewer?  
3. Is the topic or main idea in the video controversial?  Why or why not?
4. Does the reporter share a balanced perspective?  Why or why not?  
5. What sources does the reporter use to support her or his claims in the video?  Are the sources well-known or have a good record of being accurate?
6. Do you think there is any bias in the video?  If so, where?  If not, why?
7. What kind of responsibilities do you think journalists have when reporting the news?  
8. Journalism is sometimes called the "Fourth Estate of Democracy", meaning it is an essential part of a democratic government.  Do you agree with this opinion?  Why or why not?