Use of English

Shaping Opinions

News media plays a major role in the way people understand the world. Most of us do not witness events directly, so we depend on reports to (0) FORM our opinions. However, the media does more than simply pass on facts. By choosing which stories to highlight, journalists can draw attention (1) .......... certain issues while ignoring others. The language used in reports can also have a strong effect. A headline may be written in a way that (2) .......... readers towards a particular view, even before they have read the full article. In addition, repeated coverage of the same topic can create the (3) .......... that it is more important than it really is. Social media has made this influence even greater. News now spreads at great speed, and people often react before checking whether a story is (4) .......... on reliable evidence. As a result, false information can quickly (5) .......... hold and shape public opinion. For this reason, readers should approach the news with care. It is wise to compare sources, question dramatic claims, and be (6) .......... of how images and wording affect emotions. A healthy democracy depends (7) .......... citizens who can think critically rather than simply (8) .......... everything they read.