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Every day we are exposed to lots of different stories. Whether it be on the radio, the internet or in the paper, we are constantly being informed of things occurring all over the world.

Sometimes, in the midst of all this information, determining which story is true, finding the information you need and knowing where to look for answers can become quite difficult. We have so much news, in fact, that it can become easy to feel overwhelmed.

No need to worry! With just a few simple steps and suggestions, you'll be on your way to sifting through the layers of news straight to the core of what you really need to know.

Reading a news article begins with headlines. Headlines reveal what the rest of the article is going to be about.

If you are looking for information about education in Hong Kong, for example, you won't find it in an article called 'The earthquake in India.'

News writing gets to the point. In other words, the first  two paragraphs should reveal the writer's main idea and intentions.

If you have completed the first paragraph and still don't know what the article is about, go back and re-read it again.

The body consists of evidence. Once you've identified the main point, try to determine at least two points that support the main idea or argument.

Ask whether or not the evidence seems reasonable.

Identify the purpose. Often, identifying the author's purpose in writing will help you understand and analyse the evidence.

Do you feel that you are being persuaded or informed? Was it convincing? After reading the article, do you feel more knowledgeable about the subject? Are there many questions that still need to be answered?

Apply the ideas to the following article.

Calm urged over Mai Po bird flu fears

By Cheung Chi-fai

A leading conservation group and a disease expert sought yesterday to calm fears about the health threat from migratory birds at the Mai Po nature reserve - as new cases of bird flu emerged in Asia.

WWF said the Mai Po reserve was still safe to visit and urged people not to panic, after schools began cancelling planned trips to the famed bird refuge. WWF chief executive Eric Bohm said at least 16 schools had cancelled their trips.

Leo Poon Lit-man, assistant dean in the microbiology department at the University of Hong Kong, said the risk at Mai Po was very low.

But Dr Poon refused to speculate if there would be a higher chance of finding H5N1 in birds in Mai Po when the population peaked in December and January, given that the virus had been spreading across continents. He said wild birds infected with H5N1 might be too sick for long-distance travel.

Meanwhile, Thailand has confirmed its 20th human case of H5N1 after tests on a 50-year-old woman were positive.

(This article first appeared in the South China Morning Post   on November 1, 2005)

Now answer these questions about the above article.

Exercise 1

1. Does the headline give you a clear sense of what to expect in the article?

2. Can you determine the main focus of the article in the first paragraph?

3. Can you list one example of evidence the reporter gives?

4. What was the reporter's purpose in writing this article?

5. Was the article convincing?

Exercise 2

1. You see a headline that reads: 'Lost in Space.' What do you predict the article to be about?

2. Which of the following would make a good alternative headline for the above article? 'Bird flu', 'Sars returns', or 'Bird flu, not as serious as expected'?

3. From the above article, choose at least two descriptive words.

4. Using the above guidelines, write your own news report about  the  negative effects of video games on children's imagination.

Answers:

Exercise 1

1. yes; 2. yes; 3. expert is quoted as saying it is not as bad as it seems; 4. to inform readers about the situation at Mai Po with regard to bird flu

Exercise 2

1. space travel/astronauts; 2. 'Bird flu, not as serious as expected';  3. famed, long-distance



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