Topic 107: Media Influence on Public Opinion

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is media?

2. What types of media do you use every day?

3. How does the media affect how you think about things?

4. Can you name a time when something in the news made you feel strongly?

5. Do you think the media always tells the truth? Why or why not?

6. How do you feel when you see a sad or shocking news story?

7. What do you think is the role of social media in today’s world?

8. Do you think it’s important to watch the news every day? Why?

9. How do you feel when people talk about news that you don’t understand?

10. Is it important to know what’s happening in the world? Why or why not?

11. Do you think the media can change people’s opinions? How?

12. How do you feel when you see people using their phones to watch videos or read news?

13. What is the difference between watching the news on TV and on the internet?

14. Do you think people trust the news from social media more than TV news? Why or why not?

15. How do you feel about advertisements in the media?

16. Do you think the media shows the real picture of what’s happening in the world? Why or why not?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. How does the media shape the way we see the world?

18. Do you think the media is always fair in how it reports stories? Why or why not?

19. How can social media influence people’s opinions on important topics?

20. What role does the internet play in spreading news or information?

21. Do you believe the media often focuses on negative stories? Why do you think that is?

22. How do the media impact people’s decisions during elections or political events?

23. Can media be a tool for positive change in society? How?

24. What are the dangers of believing everything you see in the media?

25. How do you feel about fake news or misleading information in the media?

26. How can people make sure the media they consume is trustworthy?

27. Do you think media has too much power in shaping public opinion? Why or why not?

28. What role does entertainment media (TV shows, movies) play in shaping opinions about certain topics?

29. How do media companies decide what news is important to show?

30. Do you think the media should be more responsible in how it presents information? Why?

31. How can media affect public attitudes towards social issues (such as health, environment, etc.)?

32. What role do celebrities and influencers play in influencing public opinion?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How does media influence the political decisions of citizens in democratic societies?

34. What are the ethical responsibilities of the media when reporting on controversial issues?

35. How does media coverage of events differ across different countries or cultures?

36. In what ways can the media be biased, and how can we recognize this bias?

37. What impact does media consolidation (where a few companies control most media outlets) have on public opinion?

38. How do media outlets influence public perception of global events, such as wars or natural disasters?

39. How does the portrayal of gender, race, or class in the media impact societal views on these topics?

40. What are the effects of 24-hour news cycles on public opinion and mental health?

41. How can media influence people’s consumer behavior (advertising, marketing)?

42. How can media outlets be held accountable for spreading misinformation or misleading content?

43. How do social media platforms shape public opinion on social justice or human rights issues?

44. Do you think media has a responsibility to present balanced perspectives, or is it acceptable for them to take a position on issues?

45. What are the consequences of media bias during elections or political campaigns?

46. How does the rise of alternative media (e.g., blogs, podcasts) impact traditional media’s influence on public opinion?

47. What role does the media play in shaping our collective memory of historical events?

48. How can the media help bridge divides in society (e.g., political or social divisions)?