This module’s vocabulary list consists of words that apply to media directly, and it also includes words from the articles that you’ve read—words that have little to no direct connection to media literacy.

This is because your overall vocabulary—not just the words connected to media—serves to improve your media literacy. Our ability to interpret the ideas presented in media relies on our comprehension of the words used to present those ideas. The selections, therefore, have been based on the likelihood you’ll see these words in your future media.

Review the list below by clicking each word to reveal its definition. Once complete, apply your knowledge to the activity on the bottom of this page.

propaganda	purposefully biased information used to promote a particular point of view or cause
editorial	an article which expresses the opinion of the journalists of a news media source on a certain subject
pundit	an expert in a particular subject who is frequently called upon in news media to give opinions about it to the public
prominence	the state of being important or famous
impeccable	ideal or flawless
tyranny	cruel and unreasonable use of power
savvy	possessing knowledge and good judgment
phenomenon	a remarkable and observable fact or situation
scrutinize	to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
eloquently	done in a clear and persuasive manner

Now use the activity below to learn more about the context in which these words are often used. Use the table above to predict which words go into the blanks of the sentence below. Check your answers by clicking to reveal the complete sentences.

The YouTube beauty expert rose to _____ because of her _____ makeup skills: She earned tons of views by making ordinary people look like supermodels.

The YouTube beauty expert rose to prominence because of her impeccable makeup skills: She earned tons of views by making ordinary people look like supermodels.

The natural _____ known as the aurora borealis is the result of disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar wind.

The natural phenomenon known as the aurora borealis is the result of disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar wind.

When you approach the media that you consume in a _____ way, it’s very hard to be manipulated by it.

When you approach the media that you consume in a savvy way, it’s very hard to be manipulated by it.

The government used many different types of _____ to convince vulnerable young men and women that the only way to earn citizenship in their own country was to join the military.

The government used many different types of propaganda to convince vulnerable young men and women that the only way to prove allegiance to their own country was to join the military.

The _____ found on page 4 of last week’s newspaper expressed the same opinion on the election as the _____ MSNBC hired for the debate last night . . . turns out, he wrote it!

The editorial found on page 4 of last week’s newspaper expressed the same opinion on the election as the pundit MSNBC hired for the debate last night . . . turns out, he wrote it!

Freya’s oral report on Romeo and Juliet was presented so _____ that no one noticed when she mentioned J.K. Rowling wrote it.

Freya’s oral report on Romeo and Juliet was presented so eloquently that no one noticed when she mentioned J.K. Rowling wrote it.

History has proven that failing to _____ the questionable actions of leaders can result in _____.

History has proven that failing to scrutinize the questionable actions of leaders can result in tyranny.