Reading the press — reuse it in speaking and writing

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

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

1. Objective

By the end, you will produce your own content using “Reading the press” clearly and accurately.

2. I discover

The text mixes recommendation, observed situation and requests from affected groups. Classify each piece of information before summarising.

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.

Après plusieurs semaines de sécheresse, la préfecture recommande de limiter certains usages de l’eau.La mesure concerne notamment l’arrosage des jardins aux heures les plus chaudes.Les services publics indiquent que les réserves restent surveillées quotidiennement.Plusieurs communes ont déjà réduit l’arrosage de leurs espaces verts.Des agriculteurs demandent que les décisions tiennent compte des situations locales.Un nouveau point sur la situation est annoncé pour la semaine prochaine.

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

Propose a neutral, precise headline, then explain in one sentence why it does not dramatise the information.

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.