WELLESLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
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OPINIONS IN THE NEWS 
There are three main places opinions appear as part of the mainstream news: Editorials, Columns, and Letters to the Editor. 
 
EDITORIALS: The Editorial Staff  is made up of a group of journalists from the newspaper. Their job is to determine what the paper’s position will be on issues and write editorials expressing those views. These editorials are based on research, debate, and personal experience.
Boston Globe Editorials 
New York Times Editorial Board


COLUMN: These are articles written by columnists who are journalists hired by the newspaper to comment on aspects of the news, usually weekly. Columnists can write about “news” topics, sports, entertainment, etc. They usually develop devoted readers.
New York Times Columnists
Dan Shaughnessy - Boston Globe Sports Columnist


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: These are letters written by readers of the news source commenting on news stories or current events that the newspaper chooses to print.
 Miami Herald Letters to the Editor
​

Because the news source is taking responsibility for all three of these, they are likely to be logical and based in fact. 

VOCABULARY

Omission: something that has been left out or excluded​

Bias: A tendency to believe that some things are better than others and let that belief affect your views and behavior.

Two Columns

Choose one of these Boston Globe columns to read. While you're reading, identify words and language that show opinion or bias. Also make note of any factual information you notice. 

cohen-biden_attende_debate.pdf
File Size: 167 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

shaughnessy_-_hate_watching.pdf
File Size: 140 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


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TRUSTWORTHY

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RELEVANT

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ACCESSIBLE

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CURRENT

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Focus on TRUSTWORTHY

A source might be TRUSTWORTHY, but can also be biased. 
​
Look for information in the "About" section of the website and clues in the language of the information to figure out if it is neutral or there is bias present. 
​​

Vocabulary

Liberal: Believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change (typically Democrat in the U.S.or LEFT). 
Conservative: Believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society (typically Republican in the U.S. or RIGHT).
Bias: A tendency to believe that some things are better than others and let that belief affect your view and behavior. 
Neutral: Not skewed in one direction or another.
​
Partisan: Firmly loyal to a particular political party. 

media bias 

Take a look at the two Media Bias Charts below. These are good resources for you to keep in mind when looking for news.  Where the source falls on the chart matters more when looking at political and “hot-button” topics than it does for topics like the weather or results of sports competitions.
 
Always remember to look for NEUTRAL/CENTER information or check different sources for a variety of PERSPECTIVES. 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • About the Library >
        • General Rules
      • Acceptable Use Policy
      • Calendar
      • Mission Statement
      • Orientation >
        • 6th Orientation
        • 7th & 8th Orientation
  • Catalogs
    • WMS Catalog >
      • Catalog How-To
    • Comics Plus
    • Minuteman Catalog
    • Boston Public Library
    • Dewey Decimal System
  • Online Reference
    • Databases
    • Recommended Websites >
      • Rome Websites
    • Newspapers
    • BrainPOP
  • Books
    • Best Books 2021
    • Book Ideas >
      • Book Trailers >
        • 6th Grade Book Trailers
        • 8th Grade Book Trailers
    • Book Choice Helpers >
      • The Literate Mother
    • Book Madness
    • eBooks
    • Book Chats
    • Book Recommendations >
      • Book Lists
      • Recommendations
      • Breakfast & Booktalks >
        • B&B 2017
        • B&B 2015
        • B&B 2014
        • B&B 2013
        • B&B 2012
        • B&B 2011
        • B&B 2010
        • B&B 2009
        • B&B 2008
    • Series
  • Students
    • Bibliography >
      • Copyright Video
      • Copyright for Teachers
      • How to use MyBib
    • Bookopolis
    • TRAC
    • Check Your Facts
    • Google Apps
    • How-To >
      • Check Out a Book
      • How to use MyBib
      • Printing
      • How to Use SORA
    • MyBib
    • Project Links >
      • Sixth >
        • Astronomy Expo
        • Holy Places Mini project
        • Research Toolkit
        • Planet Resources
      • Seventh >
        • Editorials
        • I-Search
        • Newsworthy >
          • Practicing Quality Journalism
        • Trident Research
      • Eighth >
        • Civics Project
        • House Unplugged
        • Information Consumers
        • Social Media
    • Vocab Games
  • Summer Reading
    • Summer Reading 2022
    • Past Years >
      • SR 2021
      • SR 2020
      • SR 2019
      • SR 2018
      • SR 2017
      • SR 2016
      • SR 2015
      • SR 2014
      • SR 2013
      • SR 2012
      • SR 2011
      • SR 2010
      • SR 2009
    • WHS Summer Reading
    • Video Book Talks
  • Diverse Book Resources
  • Remote Learning
  • Viral Rumor Rundown
  • Music & Slavery
  • RLS
  • Book Blurbs
  • book group
  • Sweet of the States