O-Level Vocabulary: Media, Truth & Misinformation

O-Level vocabulary media becomes valuable when students can distinguish a source from a claim, evidence from opinion, misinformation from satire, verification from repetition, and credibility from popularity. This Sec 3 to 4 vocabulary guide develops the language needed to read news, posts, videos, advertisements and generated content critically without assuming that familiar, emotional or widely shared information is automatically reliable.

Students searching for O-Level vocabulary media, misinformation vocabulary, media literacy words, fake news vocabulary or Secondary English media essay language usually need more than a list of terms. They need a checking system. Strong reading asks who created the content, what the claim actually says, what evidence is offered, whether the context is complete, how the source can be verified, and whether persuasive techniques or platform design are shaping attention.

This guide organises vocabulary around source, evidence, context, verification, persuasion, algorithms, images, credibility and responsible sharing. It is deliberately topic-neutral: the goal is to evaluate claims by method rather than by whether the student already agrees with them. For practical verification practice, Singapore’s Media Literacy Council publishes guidance on checking sources and evidence. Use this page with the Singapore Vocabulary Guide and the Argumentative Essay Vocabulary guide.

Quick Read

Level: Secondary 3 to Secondary 4.
Themes: sources, claims, evidence, verification, context, bias, persuasion, algorithms and responsible sharing.
Goal: evaluate information by process rather than instinct.
Method: source → claim → evidence → context → corroboration → judgement.
Important rule: a repeated claim is still a claim until evidence is checked.

120 words for media, truth and misinformation

Source and origin

1. source

Learn source as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

2. author

Learn author as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

3. publisher

Learn publisher as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

4. origin

Learn origin as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

5. primary source

Learn primary source as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

6. secondary source

Learn secondary source as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

7. anonymous

Learn anonymous as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

8. attribution

Learn attribution as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

9. quotation

Learn quotation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

10. citation

Learn citation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

11. document

Learn document as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

12. record

Learn record as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to source and origin. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Claims and evidence

13. claim

Learn claim as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

14. evidence

Learn evidence as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

15. fact

Learn fact as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

16. opinion

Learn opinion as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

17. assertion

Learn assertion as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

18. support

Learn support as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

19. proof

Learn proof as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

20. data

Learn data as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

21. example

Learn example as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

22. testimony

Learn testimony as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

23. corroborate

Learn corroborate as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

24. verify

Learn verify as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to claims and evidence. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Truth status

25. accurate

Learn accurate as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

26. false

Learn false as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

27. misleading

Learn misleading as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

28. unverified

Learn unverified as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

29. uncertain

Learn uncertain as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

30. fabricated

Learn fabricated as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

31. authentic

Learn authentic as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

32. altered

Learn altered as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

33. satirical

Learn satirical as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

34. outdated

Learn outdated as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

35. incomplete

Learn incomplete as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

36. plausible

Learn plausible as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to truth status. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Context

37. context

Learn context as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

38. date

Learn date as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

39. location

Learn location as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

40. caption

Learn caption as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

41. background

Learn background as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

42. sequence

Learn sequence as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

43. cropped

Learn cropped as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

44. edited

Learn edited as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

45. excerpt

Learn excerpt as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

46. miscontextualised

Learn miscontextualised as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

47. relevant

Learn relevant as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

48. missing

Learn missing as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to context. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Credibility

49. credible

Learn credible as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

50. reliable

Learn reliable as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

51. expertise

Learn expertise as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

52. transparent

Learn transparent as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

53. accountable

Learn accountable as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

54. independent

Learn independent as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

55. reputation

Learn reputation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

56. method

Learn method as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

57. correction

Learn correction as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

58. disclosure

Learn disclosure as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

59. conflict of interest

Learn conflict of interest as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

60. trustworthy

Learn trustworthy as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to credibility. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Bias and framing

61. bias

Learn bias as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

62. framing

Learn framing as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

63. selective

Learn selective as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

64. emphasis

Learn emphasis as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

65. omission

Learn omission as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

66. perspective

Learn perspective as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

67. angle

Learn angle as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

68. stereotype

Learn stereotype as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

69. loaded language

Learn loaded language as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

70. balance

Learn balance as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

71. representation

Learn representation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

72. narrative

Learn narrative as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to bias and framing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Persuasion and manipulation

73. persuade

Learn persuade as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

74. manipulate

Learn manipulate as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

75. appeal

Learn appeal as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

76. emotion

Learn emotion as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

77. urgency

Learn urgency as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

78. fear

Learn fear as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

79. endorsement

Learn endorsement as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

80. advertising

Learn advertising as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

81. sponsor

Learn sponsor as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

82. influencer

Learn influencer as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

83. clickbait

Learn clickbait as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

84. dark pattern

Learn dark pattern as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to persuasion and manipulation. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Platforms and algorithms

85. algorithm

Learn algorithm as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

86. recommendation

Learn recommendation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

87. engagement

Learn engagement as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

88. feed

Learn feed as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

89. ranking

Learn ranking as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

90. personalisation

Learn personalisation as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

91. filter

Learn filter as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

92. platform

Learn platform as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

93. viral

Learn viral as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

94. reach

Learn reach as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

95. amplify

Learn amplify as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

96. echo chamber

Learn echo chamber as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to platforms and algorithms. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Images and generated media

97. image

Learn image as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

98. video

Learn video as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

99. audio

Learn audio as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

100. deepfake

Learn deepfake as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

101. synthetic

Learn synthetic as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

102. generated

Learn generated as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

103. metadata

Learn metadata as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

104. reverse search

Learn reverse search as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

105. edit

Learn edit as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

106. composite

Learn composite as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

107. visual evidence

Learn visual evidence as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

108. authenticity

Learn authenticity as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to images and generated media. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

Responsible sharing

109. pause

Learn pause as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

110. check

Learn check as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

111. verify

Learn verify as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

112. corroborate

Learn corroborate as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

113. report

Learn report as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

114. correct

Learn correct as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

115. share

Learn share as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

116. forward

Learn forward as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

117. responsible

Learn responsible as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

118. digital literacy

Learn digital literacy as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

119. media literacy

Learn media literacy as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

120. judgement

Learn judgement as part of a verification process. Define it plainly, add one natural collocation and write one neutral example connected to responsible sharing. Then create a second example where confusing this word with a neighbour would produce a bad judgement. Media vocabulary is most useful when it changes what the reader checks next.

The six-question verification frame

1. Who is the original source?

Trace the information to the person, organisation, document or recording that first produced the claim. A friend or account that forwards content is not necessarily the source.

2. What exactly is the claim?

Rewrite it in one sentence. Separate factual claims from opinion, prediction, interpretation and rhetorical language.

3. What evidence is offered?

Look for data, documents, direct quotations, images, recordings, studies or other material that can be checked.

4. Is the context complete?

Check date, place, sequence, caption and whether an image, quotation or statistic has been removed from its original setting.

5. Can the claim be corroborated?

Look for independent evidence or primary material rather than multiple pages that simply copy one another.

6. What judgement is justified?

The conclusion may be true, false, misleading, partly supported or still unverifiable. Uncertainty is a legitimate outcome when evidence is insufficient.

The Fencing Method: media terms students should not blur

claim / evidence

A claim is what someone says is true; evidence is information that supports or challenges it. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

credible / correct

A credible source has reasons to deserve trust, but credibility does not guarantee every statement is correct. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

false / misleading

False content is incorrect; misleading content may contain accurate elements arranged in a way that creates a wrong impression. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

bias / lie

Bias is a systematic tendency or perspective; a lie is a deliberate falsehood. Bias does not automatically mean deliberate deception. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

opinion / misinformation

An opinion expresses judgement; misinformation is false or inaccurate factual information. Not every opinion can be fact-checked in the same way. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

popular / reliable

A widely shared post may have high reach without high reliability. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

corroborate / repeat

Corroboration comes from independent supporting evidence; repetition may trace back to the same original claim. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

context / content

Content is what is shown or said; context includes surrounding circumstances needed to interpret it accurately. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

satire / deception

Satire may intentionally imitate factual formats for humour or criticism; deception attempts to mislead an audience. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

generated / fake

Generated media is created synthetically. Its existence does not by itself make every use deceptive; context and disclosure matter. Build one example where the distinction changes whether the content should be believed, shared or investigated further.

Collocations for media literacy writing

1. verify a claim

Use verify a claim in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

2. check the source

Use check the source in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

3. independent evidence

Use independent evidence in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

4. reliable information

Use reliable information in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

5. credible source

Use credible source in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

6. primary source

Use primary source in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

7. supporting evidence

Use supporting evidence in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

8. misleading caption

Use misleading caption in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

9. missing context

Use missing context in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

10. selective editing

Use selective editing in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

11. loaded language

Use loaded language in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

12. emotional appeal

Use emotional appeal in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

13. sponsored content

Use sponsored content in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

14. algorithmic recommendation

Use algorithmic recommendation in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

15. viral content

Use viral content in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

16. audience engagement

Use audience engagement in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

17. confirm authenticity

Use confirm authenticity in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

18. reverse image search

Use reverse image search in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

19. correct misinformation

Use correct misinformation in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

20. issue a correction

Use issue a correction in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

21. disclose sponsorship

Use disclose sponsorship in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

22. evaluate credibility

Use evaluate credibility in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

23. trace the origin

Use trace the origin in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

24. corroborate evidence

Use corroborate evidence in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

25. distinguish fact from opinion

Use distinguish fact from opinion in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

26. responsible sharing

Use responsible sharing in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

27. digital literacy

Use digital literacy in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

28. media literacy

Use media literacy in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

29. unverified claim

Use unverified claim in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

30. conflict of interest

Use conflict of interest in one sentence that describes a checking action or analytical relationship. Avoid treating the phrase as a slogan; state what evidence or behaviour would make it true in the example.

Why emotion is a signal to slow down

Highly emotional content can be true, false, exaggerated or incomplete. The emotion itself does not decide accuracy. What it changes is the reader’s behaviour: urgency, anger, fear or excitement can encourage immediate sharing before verification. A useful media-literacy habit is therefore procedural: notice the emotional reaction, pause, identify the claim and check the evidence.

Students should also avoid the opposite error: assuming calm-looking information is automatically trustworthy. Professional design, charts, official-sounding language and polished video can be used by reliable or unreliable sources. Verification remains necessary.

How algorithms affect attention

Algorithms can rank or recommend content based on signals such as relevance, predicted interest or engagement. Students do not need to treat an algorithm as a mysterious villain or neutral machine. The useful question is what objective the system is optimising and what data influence the ranking. A feed designed to maximise engagement may repeatedly show content that keeps users watching, even when that is not the same as showing the most important or most reliable information.

This vocabulary helps students move beyond statements such as “social media controls us”. Stronger language names mechanisms: recommendation, amplification, personalisation, engagement, ranking and repeated exposure.

How to analyse an image or video

Visual evidence feels immediate, which can make it persuasive. But images can be old, cropped, staged, edited, generated or attached to the wrong event. Students should ask what the image actually proves. A photograph may show that something existed at one place and time; it may not prove the caption’s broader claim.

Useful checking actions include tracing the original upload, examining surrounding context, checking dates and captions, comparing with independent sources, and using reverse-image-search tools where appropriate. The vocabulary should lead to action.

How to write a balanced media paragraph

A controlled paragraph might follow: claim → mechanism → example → limitation → evaluation. Example: “Recommendation algorithms can help users discover relevant content by sorting large amounts of information. However, repeated personalisation may narrow what a user encounters if engagement is the dominant signal. This does not mean every personalised feed creates an echo chamber, but it does mean users should diversify sources and verify important claims.”

The language qualifies instead of sensationalising. Words such as may, can, one risk, depends on, not necessarily, in some contexts help students match certainty to evidence.

A 10-week media vocabulary plan

Week 1: Source

Targets: source, author, publisher, origin, attribution, primary source, citation, record. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 2: Evidence

Targets: claim, evidence, fact, opinion, data, support, verify, corroborate. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 3: Truth status

Targets: accurate, false, misleading, unverified, authentic, altered, outdated, incomplete. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 4: Context

Targets: date, caption, background, sequence, cropped, edited, excerpt, relevant. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 5: Credibility

Targets: credible, reliable, expertise, transparent, accountable, correction, disclosure, reputation. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 6: Bias

Targets: bias, framing, omission, loaded language, angle, perspective, representation, balance. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 7: Persuasion

Targets: persuade, manipulate, appeal, urgency, clickbait, sponsor, advertising, endorsement. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 8: Algorithms

Targets: algorithm, recommendation, feed, ranking, engagement, personalisation, amplify, viral. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 9: Visual media

Targets: deepfake, synthetic, generated, metadata, authenticity, composite, visual evidence, edit. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

Week 10: Synthesis

Targets: evaluate an unfamiliar claim using source, evidence, context, corroboration and judgement. Use hypothetical or non-partisan examples. End each session by writing one paragraph explaining what should be checked next and why.

30 verification drills

Drill 1

Imagine a viral health tip. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 2

Imagine a dramatic weather photo. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 3

Imagine a celebrity quote card. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 4

Imagine an advertisement disguised as a review. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 5

Imagine a forwarded school message. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 6

Imagine a surprising science claim. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 7

Imagine an edited video clip. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 8

Imagine a product testimonial. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 9

Imagine an anonymous screenshot. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

Drill 10

Imagine an AI-generated image. Without deciding whether it is true, list the source question, evidence question and context question you would ask. Use at least four target vocabulary words, then state what evidence would justify a conclusion.

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Frequently asked questions

Does misinformation always mean deliberate lying?

No. Misinformation can be false or inaccurate information shared without proven intent to deceive. Intent matters when choosing more specific labels.

Is a biased source automatically useless?

No. Bias is one factor to evaluate. A source can still contain accurate information, but the reader should understand perspective, selection and evidence.

Can students trust official-looking pages?

Appearance alone is not enough. Trace the source and verify the domain or original organisation directly.

Are AI-generated images always misinformation?

No. Generated media can be creative, illustrative or clearly disclosed. The issue becomes misleading when synthetic content is presented as authentic evidence without proper context.

How can parents practise media literacy?

Choose low-stakes everyday claims and ask the child to identify source, claim, evidence, context and what would count as corroboration.

How can teachers avoid turning this into opinion policing?

Assess the verification process and evidence reasoning rather than whether students hold the same viewpoint.

What is the best habit before sharing?

Pause long enough to identify the original source and check the central factual claim.

What shows mastery?

The student can withhold judgement when evidence is weak, distinguish claim from evidence and explain what verification step should come next.

Final principle

Media literacy vocabulary should make students slower at the right moments and faster at the right questions. A strong reader does not ask only, “Do I believe this?” The stronger sequence is: Who made it? What is the claim? What evidence supports it? Is the context complete? Can it be independently checked? What judgement does the evidence justify?

Return to the Singapore Vocabulary Guide for the complete vocabulary estate. For additional Singapore media-literacy practice, see the Media Literacy Council.

eduKate SG

Sec 3 to 4 Vocabulary Theme: Media, Truth and Misinformation