Propaganda and the news media - Unit 11

C2 Proficiency · Word Formation · Close-up C2, National Geographic Learning

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the space in the same line.

OBJECT

PARTIAL

CONSPIRE

DISSEMINATE

INFORM

SELECT

OMIT

CHAOS

We expect our news outlets to present us with an (1) ___ view of the world. When we tune in to the nightly news or read a newspaper we assume that we are being provided information (2) ___ . But are we? Although not as widespread as (3) ___ theorists would have us believe, propaganda exists, and nowhere more so than in the news media. The news is the perfect vehicle for the (4) ___ of information because of its vast audience and the power it has to influence opinions. But when its intentions are to deceive, the (5) ___ presented is an example of propaganda. This is often achieved by presenting facts (6) ___ ; that is, by intentionally choosing some things that support a particular narrative and not others. We call this 'lying by (7) ___ ,' and it is a very effective tool. Editing can also colour the truth. One well-known broadcaster dubbed in sound effects and played a (8) ___ video next to a correspondent reporting from a conflict zone to create a sense of danger when none was present.

Propaganda and the news media

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