Reading the press — understand and recognise

Reading the press: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: mobilite-produirePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will identify the key clues in “Reading the press” and explain what they tell you.

2. I discover

Identify verifiable facts, then the municipality statement and the association request. These are not the same type of information.

3. I understand

In a news article, distinguish headline, facts, quotations and analysis. Always ask who, what, where and when, and check who is speaking when an opinion is reported.

La ville ouvrira lundi une nouvelle ligne de bus entre la gare et l’hôpital.Le trajet comptera douze arrêts et fonctionnera de six heures à vingt-deux heures.Selon la municipalité, cette ligne doit faciliter les déplacements des salariés et des patients.Une association d’usagers demande déjà un service plus tardif le week-end.La fréquentation sera évaluée après six mois.Les horaires détaillés seront publiés vendredi sur le site du réseau.

Watch out

A headline may be designed to attract attention. It is not enough to understand the story: compare it with the lead and article body.

4. Guided practice

5. Independent practice

6. I write / I speak

Answer in four lines: what, where, when, and which point remains debated.

7. Check-up

8. Remember

To read the press critically: identify the source, separate fact from comment, identify actors and check whether the headline accurately reflects the content.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

9. Now I can…

I can identify useful clues in “Reading the press”.
I can explain my choice instead of guessing.
I can reuse this skill in a real text or exchange.