Introduction
Every day we see posts, pictures, and news online, but not all of it is true.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to check if something is real or fake using simple online tools.
We’ll look at trusted websites, tips for checking images and videos, and ways you can help others feel confident with the truth.
This is your first step into the world of fact-checking, and it’s easier than you might think.
Teresa Tries a Fact-Check
One morning, she sees a post saying a food she eats daily “has been banned in Europe!”
It sounds dramatic — but is it true?
Teresa decides to check. She visits a website called PolitiFact and quickly finds out: the story is false. Now, Teresa always takes a moment to verify things before sharing them, and she teaches her friends how to do it too.
In this lesson, you’ll join Teresa in learning how to check the facts before clicking or sharing.
Helping Others Check the Facts
Prompt:
Think of someone you know — a neighbour, friend, or family member — who shares posts without checking if they’re true.
How would you kindly show them how to fact-check something?
Write 2–3 sentences with your ideas.
Trusted Tools for Fact-Checking
There are several reliable websites you can use to check whether a story, image, or post is true. These tools are trusted by journalists, educators, and everyday people — and they’re easy to use.
Here are some of the most useful fact-checking platforms you can explore:
International Platforms
- EUfactcheck.eu – a European platform.
- EDMO – a large European network of fact-checking organisations.
- FactCheck.org – Verifies political and viral claims with evidence-based reports.
- Snopes – Great for checking rumours, social media posts, and hoaxes.
- Full Fact – UK-based, checks media and political claims with simple explanations.
- Reuters Fact Check – Confirms or debunks images, quotes, and viral content around the world.
Portuguese Platforms
- Polígrafo – Checks Portuguese media, political claims, and social content.
- Observador Fact Check – Trusted fact-checking section of a national newspaper.
- Lusa Verifica – Fact-checks public claims, launched by Portugal’s state news agency.
- Global Fact-Check Chatbot – Multi-language tool that searches fact-checks from around the world.
How to Use These Tools
- Search the main topic or quote from the post you want to check.
- Look for trustworthy signs: sources, date, and neutral language.
- Try cross-checking a story on two different sites.
You can save this list to your device or copy and share it with someone you care about. These tools are a great way to feel more confident — and help others stay informed too.
Tips for Helping Others
- Ask: “Shall we double-check that together?”
- Be kind, not critical
- Share these tools as a gift, not a correction
Summary
You’ve just completed your first lesson in Unit 3 — and you’re off to a great start!
In this lesson, you:
- Learned what fact-checking means
- Discovered simple tools to verify information
- Practised thinking before reacting
- Reflected on how to help others check facts too
Great job — you’re becoming a more confident, thoughtful reader online. And your skills can make a big difference in someone else’s day too.
