Reading the press — practise in context

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

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: presse-comprendrePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will apply “Reading the press” to new examples and justify your choices.

2. I discover

Separate what is officially announced, what is the union’s reaction and what remains unknown.

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.

Une entreprise locale annonce la création de cinquante postes sur son nouveau site.Les recrutements doivent commencer au printemps.La direction affirme rechercher principalement des profils techniques.Le syndicat accueille l’annonce favorablement mais demande des garanties sur les contrats proposés.Le bâtiment est encore en travaux et son ouverture est prévue pour septembre.Aucun détail salarial n’a encore été communiqué.

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

Write a two-sentence lead summarising the announcement without turning the union request into an established fact.

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.