Lesson 2: How Opinions are Presented as Facts (M3-U2-L2)

M3-U2-L2-A Text written "Opinion"

Introduction

Some articles or posts sound like they’re sharing facts — but they’re really opinions in disguise. This lesson shows you how the media can use emotional words, tone, and even pictures to make opinions seem like facts.

You’ll learn how to spot this trick, practise analysing headlines, and build skills to explain it clearly to others.

Meet Fatima– Something Feels Off

Meet Fatima. She enjoys staying informed and often reads the news online after breakfast. One morning, she sees this headline: “Disaster! Local Council Wastes Money Again!

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It catches her attention — but it also makes her feel uneasy.
The words sound dramatic. There are no facts, just strong emotions.
She wonders: “Is this really news… or just someone trying to make me angry?” Ana is learning how headlines and language can sometimes sound like facts, but are actually opinions hidden behind emotional words.

In this lesson, you’ll explore how to spot those signs too — so you can feel more confident when reading online and help others do the same.

When Opinion Masquerades as Fact

When Opinion Masquerades as Fact de Karla Goncalves

Transcript

Sometimes, a headline looks like a fact… but it’s full of emotion.
Ana, 68, reading on her phone: “Disaster! City council ruins everything again!”
Is this a fact or an emotional claim?

Words like ‘disaster’, ‘ruins’, or ‘shocking’ are emotional. They make us feel upset — before we even read the facts.

 – “Council changes bin schedule” (neutral)
 – “A terrible plan will cause chaos!” (emotional)
Which sounds more dramatic?

Photos can add emotion too.
Does this image add clarity or emotion?

When you see a strong headline or dramatic picture, pause and ask:
 – What’s the real fact?
 – Is this showing both sides?
 – Could this be written in a calmer way?”

 

Emotional posts try to push your feelings. Thinking calmly helps you stay informed — and help others too.
Think first. Ask questions. Stay calm.

Activity – Spot the Stronger Spin

Instructions
Look at two versions of the same news item. Choose which one uses more emotional or opinion-based language.

Example Pair
“Outrage as Mayor Pushes Through Dangerous New Policy”
“Mayor Approves New Public Safety Plan After Vote”

Question
Which one sounds more emotional or biased? Why?

Feedback

The first headline (“Outrage as Mayor Pushes Through Dangerous New Policy”) is an example of biased and emotional language. Words like “outrage” and “dangerous” are designed to influence your feelings, not just inform you. This can be harmful because it makes people react emotionally before they know the facts.

The second headline (“Mayor Approves New Public Safety Plan After Vote”) is more neutral. It simply states what happened and lets the reader decide how they feel about it.

Remember: Spotting emotional or opinion-based wording is a key media literacy skill. When you notice it, pause and ask: “Is this fact, or is it trying to push me toward a reaction?”

See the feedback
Close the feedback
What’s the Intent?

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Reflection - How Do We Explain This to Others?

Reflection assignment

How would you explain to an older friend or relative that some headlines are really opinions in disguise?

Take a sheet of paper and a pencil. Write 2–3 short sentences.
Try to keep it simple, respectful, and easy to understand.

Tip:
Save or print your answer — you may want to share it during a group session later.

Real or Emotional?


Summary

Key Takeaways:

  • Watch for dramatic words and images
  • Ask what the headline wants you to feel
  • Real facts usually come with clear sources and neutral tone

You’re building powerful awareness — and that makes you a smarter, calmer, more confident reader.