English Paper

Project 2: Fake News Optional Paper Organization

NOTE: This paper is a mere suggestion. You may organize your paper any way you prefer. Remember, do not use the 5-paragraph formula. Indent and start a new paragraph with each new thought. Remember that you may use “I” and include your own opinion.

I. Introduction paragraph

A. Introduce the concept of fake news and explain why it is a current topic worthy of discussion

B. Thesis: Fake news is a subject worth exploring and understanding because ____________________________.

II. Body paragraph(s)

A. Explain the various types of fake news

B. Explain why it’s important to understand this phenomenon (elections, democracy, free speech, free press, “Pizzagate” incident, etc…)

C. Perhaps include examples from our readings and videos

III. Body paragraph(s)

A. Why can’t fake news be combated with facts?

B. Why is science and fact-based fields not helping to improve the situation of fake news?

C. Why does it matter what beliefs and values we hold and how they relate to what we view as real or fake?

D. Why does who we consider an authority affect what information we believe and who we get that info from?

E. How are intelligent people duped?

IV. Body paragraph(s)

A. How has social media, Google, and the concept of filter bubbles/echo chambers further exacerbated the issue of fake news?

B. Fake stories from Macedonia, hackers from Russia and other countries, bots and fake accounts, etc.

V. Body paragraph(s)

A. How is the growth of technology contributing to this problem?

B. Fake porn, manipulated video, manipulated audio, the truth is how you’ve shown it with your edits and apps

V. Body paragraph(s)

A. Is credible journalism in danger in this country?

B. Do we need a free flow of ideas to maintain democracy?

C. Is it ok to ridicule journalists and question their credibility?

D. Is it ok for imposters to present themselves are real journalists and post stories and videos?

VI. Body paragraph(s): What is the solution?

A. How do we combat fake news?

B. What can we do, as news consumers, to verify the information we receive?

C. What fact-checking organizations can we go to for reliable, truthful info?

VII. Conclusion paragraph

A. Where do we go from here?

B. What is the future?