Journalist

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/journalist

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core mission?To inform the public by gathering, verifying, and disseminating news
2. What is the key societal function?Acting as a watchdog, holding power accountable, and facilitating informed public discourse
3. How do journalists find a story?They listen to tips, read press releases, watch what’s happening around them, or investigate something that interests them. Then they talk to people and look at records to learn more.
4. Why are journalists important for society?Journalists keep governments and big companies honest by exposing problems. They give people the information they need to make good choices and to talk about important issues.

Fourth Estate: A term for the press or journalism as a vital institution in a democracy.
Verification: The process of confirming the accuracy and truthfulness of information.
Misinformation: False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.