9th grade · Social Studies · Unit 10 of 10
Media & Democracy
A free press and a careful public
What your child practices
Why a free and responsible press matters, broadcast, print and online media, how officials use media to shape opinion, and how to spot misinformation, bias and spin.
California Content Standards learning standard: 12.8.1; 12.8.2; 12.8.3 · a free and responsible press, the roles of broadcast, print and electronic media, and how officials use media to shape public opinion
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
How can you check if a news story is reliable?
- count the likes
- trust the headline
- look for named sources and check other trusted outlets
- believe it if it's shocking
look for named sources and check other trusted outlets
Hint: Lateral reading helps.
Question 2
Which amendment protects freedom of the press?
- the Second
- the Tenth
- the Fifth
- the First
the First
Hint: It also protects speech and religion.
Question 3
Officials "spin" a story when they…
- read facts word for word
- present facts in the light that helps them most
- refuse to speak
- count votes
present facts in the light that helps them most
Hint: Spin is selective framing.
Question 4
Misinformation is…
- a type of ballot
- false information shared, even by mistake
- true information
- an official record
false information shared, even by mistake
Hint: Check before sharing.
Question 5
A political ad's main goal is to…
- report neutral facts only
- persuade voters
- teach math
- count ballots
persuade voters
Hint: Look for who paid for it.
Question 6
The Pentagon Papers case (1971) strengthened the press's right to…
- publish without government prior restraint
- access any classified site
- run campaigns
- vote in Congress
publish without government prior restraint
Hint: The Times won.