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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Fake or Real News Quiz: Spot the False Claim

Quick, free high school fake news quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jay J.LUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 9
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art illustrating a trivia quiz on media literacy for high school students.

This quiz helps you spot false claims and tell fake from real news. Answer 20 short Grade 9 questions, learn how misinformation spreads, and see where you can improve with instant results. If you want more practice, try our real or fake quiz and a classic true or false quiz to sharpen your judgment on headlines, images, and claims.

Which of the following is not true about fake news?
It is created to intentionally mislead readers
It often uses emotionally charged language
It can rapidly spread misinformation
It is based on verified facts
Fake news is designed to mislead and often employs sensational tactics, not verified facts. Option 2 is incorrect because verified facts are a hallmark of legitimate news.
What does the term 'misinformation' refer to?
News articles that contain both facts and opinions
False or inaccurate information spread without malicious intent
Accurate information verified by reliable sources
Opinions that represent an individual's viewpoint
Misinformation is typically inaccurate information shared without harmful intent. This distinguishes it from disinformation, which is intentionally deceptive.
What is a common motive behind creating fake news?
To provide verified and balanced news coverage
To educate readers with accurate information
To intentionally deceive for political or financial gain
To entertain without any underlying agenda
Fake news is often produced with the intention of deceiving and manipulating public opinion, frequently for political or financial gain. Option B correctly identifies this motive.
Which feature is most commonly used in fake news to capture attention?
Balanced presentation of multiple viewpoints
Neutral tone and factual language
Technical jargon to confuse readers
Emotional and sensationalist headlines
Fake news frequently employs emotional and sensational headlines to grab attention and provoke strong reactions. Option B best captures this tactic.
Why is verifying the source of information important when identifying fake news?
It shows that the news is popular and widely shared
It proves that the news is from a government website
It confirms the credibility and reliability of the news
It makes the news more entertaining
Verifying the source of an article is crucial for assessing its credibility. Trusted sources are more likely to provide accurate and reliable news.
What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Misinformation is always shared by the government, while disinformation originates from private sources
Misinformation is only shared online, whereas disinformation is found only in print media
There is no difference; both terms mean the same thing
Misinformation is false information spread without intent, while disinformation is deliberately false
Misinformation typically spreads unintentionally, while disinformation is purposefully crafted to deceive. This distinction is essential for understanding how false information circulates.
When evaluating a news article, which of the following is a red flag that might indicate fake news?
Provided citations and references to reliable sources
Overly sensational headlines with little supporting evidence
Clear publication date and author information
Balanced reporting with multiple viewpoints
An overly sensational headline with insufficient evidence is a common indicator of fake news. It is designed to evoke an emotional response rather than inform objectively.
Which practice is most effective for verifying the credibility of a suspicious news story?
Checking comments on social media posts
Sharing it widely to see if everyone else agrees
Relying solely on the headline
Cross-referencing with multiple reputable sources
Cross-referencing a news story with established, reputable sources is the most effective method to verify its accuracy. This practice helps confirm whether the information is corroborated by multiple trusted outlets.
How can digital tools assist in detecting fake news?
By automatically generating news articles
By popularizing sensational content
By removing all opinions from news content
By providing fact-checking and source verification technologies
Digital tools such as fact-checkers and reverse image searches assist in verifying claims and sources. These technologies empower readers to distinguish credible news from fake content.
What role does confirmation bias play in the spread of fake news?
It has no significant effect on how news is perceived
It encourages individuals to seek out news that challenges their beliefs
It leads people to disregard information that aligns with their preconceptions
It causes individuals to trust information that confirms their existing beliefs, even if it is false
Confirmation bias leads people to accept information that supports their existing views, regardless of its truthfulness. This cognitive bias is a significant factor in why fake news can spread so effectively.
Which statement best describes the motive behind clickbait in online media?
To encourage in-depth research and understanding
To maximize viewer engagement and generate advertising revenue
To provide balanced and objective news reporting
To support independent journalism and transparency
Clickbait is designed primarily to attract clicks and drive website traffic, which in turn increases advertising revenue. Option B accurately reflects the commercial motive behind clickbait.
What is the significance of checking the publication date of an online news article?
It indicates the author's credibility
It helps determine the relevance and timeliness of the information
It reveals the article's popularity among readers
It shows the length of the article
The publication date provides context about the timeliness of the news, helping readers assess whether the information is still current and relevant. This is a key factor in evaluating the accuracy of any news story.
In assessing news quality, why is the identification of bias important?
Bias means the reporter has verified all facts objectively
It helps reveal whether the report presents a balanced perspective or promotes a one-sided narrative
Identifying bias ensures the article is opinion-free
It is irrelevant to news analysis
Recognizing bias in a news story is crucial because it highlights whether the information is presented fairly or skewed. Option A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of balanced reporting.
Which of the following best explains the use of manipulated images in fake news?
They are included to improve the technical quality of a story
They are used to distract from factual inaccuracies by providing compelling visuals
They enhance the factual accuracy of a news article
They are only used in traditional print media
Manipulated images in fake news are intended to add a veneer of credibility and distract readers from the lack of factual backing. Option A best explains how such visuals can mislead an audience.
What is the purpose of a fact-checking website?
To promote sensational headlines and opinions
To verify and provide evidence regarding the accuracy of claims found in news stories
To discourage the sharing of information on social media
To generate fake news content for entertainment
Fact-checking websites are designed to verify the accuracy of news stories by comparing claims against reliable evidence. They serve as a critical tool in the fight against the spread of fake news.
How can algorithmic biases in social media platforms contribute to the proliferation of fake news?
They have no effect on the spread of news
They automatically correct false information in user feeds
They only promote content from verified sources
They can amplify content that aligns with users' preferences, regardless of credibility
Algorithmic biases on social media often prioritize content based on engagement, which can inadvertently amplify unverified information. This increases the reach of fake news regardless of its credibility.
What advanced analytical method can be used to trace the origin of a manipulated news image?
Reverse image search
Ambient occlusion
Keyword stuffing
Thermal imaging
Reverse image search is a powerful tool that allows users to track where an image first appeared online. It helps verify if an image has been manipulated or used out of context in fake news.
Which of the following reasons best explains why some highly sophisticated fake news articles still influence public opinion?
They are always quickly debunked by fact-checkers
They exploit cognitive biases and present complex narratives that resonate with readers
They rely exclusively on data from academic journals
Their sophisticated design guarantees factual accuracy
Even well-produced fake news can influence public opinion by leveraging cognitive biases and presenting persuasive narratives. Option B correctly explains how complexity and emotional appeal can overcome factual inaccuracies.
How can media literacy education mitigate the effects of fake news on society?
By relying solely on governmental regulation of news outlets
By encouraging blind trust in all mainstream media
By training individuals to critically evaluate sources and cross-check information
By promoting the viral spread of all information without analysis
Media literacy education empowers individuals to analyze and verify the news they consume. This critical approach reduces susceptibility to misleading information and fake news.
What impact does the echo chamber effect have on the belief in fake news?
It reinforces pre-existing beliefs by limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints
It has no measurable influence on public opinion
It ensures a balanced understanding by presenting conflicting opinions
It helps diversify perspectives on news topics
The echo chamber effect occurs when individuals are exposed only to opinions similar to their own, reinforcing their existing beliefs. This isolation makes it easier for fake news to be accepted without critical examination.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze the distinguishing features between factual news and misinformation.
  2. Identify key characteristics that signal fake news.
  3. Evaluate the credibility of various news sources.
  4. Apply fact-checking strategies to verify news accuracy.
  5. Critically assess information to recognize misleading content.

Fake News Quiz: Which Is Not True? Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the difference between misinformation and disinformation - Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without harmful intent, while disinformation is deliberately deceptive and planned to mislead you. Spotting this intent helps you respond wisely and avoid becoming part of the rumor mill.
  2. Be curious and verify sources independently - Channel your inner detective and don't take headlines at face value. Compare multiple reputable outlets, check dates, authors, and cited evidence.
  3. Pause when emotions run high - If a story makes you outraged, excited, or fearful, hit pause before you share. Investigate further, read beyond the headline, and confirm facts to keep emotions from hijacking your judgment.
  4. Choose high‑quality news sources - Look for outlets known for investigative reporting and clear correction policies. Don't rely solely on social media feeds - mix in established news sites for balanced coverage.
  5. Seek in‑depth, comprehensive coverage - Brief articles may gloss over important details. Turn to longform reports, expert interviews, and feature stories to understand the full context.
  6. Support independent, nonprofit journalism - User‑funded news outlets like ProPublica or NPR deliver quality reporting without hidden paywalls or clickbait ads. Backing them strengthens trustworthy news.
  7. Watch out for confirmation bias - It's natural to favor information that aligns with your beliefs, but that can blind you. Challenge yourself by exploring credible sources you normally scroll past.
  8. Beware of algorithms and echo chambers - Social media often feeds you more of what you like, trapping you in a filter bubble. Break free by following a variety of outlets and voices.
  9. Spot common misinformation cues - Be skeptical of phrases like "The media won't report this" or "Do your own research." These are often red flags for hidden agendas.
  10. Hone your critical thinking skills - Ask who made the claim, what evidence supports it, and which trusted sources agree. Cross‑check with fact‑checking sites before you believe or share.
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