E10 E - Report information accurately and neutrally
aiMOOCE10 E - Report information accurately and neutrally
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E10 E - Report information accurately and neutrally
Mini-description: Report different positions accurately, keep facts and viewpoints apart, and choose reporting verbs that do not quietly change the original message.
Media starter: Look at the interview situation. What can a reporter observe directly? What information still needs clear attribution to a source?
Einleitung
English first: understand → respond → analyse → communicate → feedback → revise → transfer.
When you report information, your wording matters. Compare: The speaker stated that…, claimed that…, admitted that… and proved that…. These verbs do not carry the same meaning. A careful report shows who said what, separates evidence from interpretation and avoids adding an attitude that was not in the source.
This course trains Hörsehverstehen, Leseverstehen, Sprechen, Schreiben, Sprachmittlung and Text- und Medienkompetenz. The E-level focus is on independent source work, comparison, evidence-based discussion and precise revision.
I can …
| I can … | Success looks like … |
|---|---|
| report two or more positions | I name the source and keep the positions separate. |
| choose reporting verbs precisely | I can explain what attitude a verb adds. |
| compare sources | I use evidence, context and source information. |
| write a neutral summary | I do not turn a source's statement into my own fact. |
| revise my text | I check meaning, cohesion, attribution and language independently. |
| mediate information | I select what the reader needs instead of translating everything. |
Vorwissen: quick check
Read these verbs: state – claim – admit – warn. Which one is most neutral when a source simply gives information? Which verbs add a stronger attitude? Keep your first answer. You will return to it after the input.
Listening and Viewing 1: facts, opinions and sources
Watch the TED-Ed video How to choose your news in two rounds.
- First viewing: note the main message in one English sentence.
- Second viewing: note two ways a reader can question a news source.
- Report the video with careful attribution: The video explains that … or The speaker suggests that …. Do not write The video proves … unless the evidence really justifies that strength.
Source check: Who produced the video? What is its purpose? Is it a current news report, a lesson about news, or something else? This distinction matters.
Listening and Viewing 2: reporting verbs
BBC Learning English introduces reporting verbs and their grammar. While watching, collect three verb patterns. Then ask a second question: What meaning does each verb add? Grammar alone is not enough for accurate reporting.
Reading: two positions, one issue
Fictional school context
Source A – library coordinator: “From next month, the school library will stay open until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays for a six-week trial. We will review attendance before deciding what happens next.”
Source B – student council representative: “Many students welcome the trial, but we would like longer opening hours on more than one day.”
A neutral report could say:
The library coordinator states that Tuesday opening hours will be extended for a six-week trial and that attendance will be reviewed. The student council representative welcomes the trial but argues for longer opening hours on additional days.
Notice the difference: states reports information; argues for marks a position. Writing admits or complains would add a meaning that the original words do not clearly support.
Context vocabulary
| Word or phrase | Useful meaning in this course | Example |
|---|---|---|
| source | where information comes from | According to the school website, … |
| evidence | information used to support a statement | The report gives attendance data as evidence. |
| viewpoint | a position or perspective | The two sources present different viewpoints. |
| verify | check whether information is supported | Verify the quote in the original source. |
| reliable | worthy of trust for this purpose | A source can be useful but still need checking. |
| quote | exact words from a source | Use quotation marks for exact words. |
| paraphrase | the same core meaning in new wording | Paraphrase without strengthening the claim. |
| context | information needed to understand a statement | A short clip may miss important context. |
| according to | clear source attribution | According to the survey, … |
| in contrast | link for a difference | In contrast, the second source focuses on cost. |
Reporting verbs: meaning before variety
| Reporting verb | What it usually signals | Use with care |
|---|---|---|
| says / states / reports | mainly descriptive attribution | choose the verb that fits the text type |
| explains | gives reasons or makes something clearer | the source must actually explain |
| argues | presents a reasoned position | do not use it for a simple fact statement |
| suggests | proposes an idea or gives a tentative interpretation | it is weaker than shows |
| claims | presents a statement without your confirmation | it can create distance from the statement |
| admits | accepts something difficult, negative or previously disputed | it can add judgment if the source simply states |
| denies | rejects an accusation or statement | name what is being denied |
| warns | points to a risk or danger | the source must express a warning |
| confirms | says that something previously uncertain is established | use only when the source is in a position to confirm it |
| proves | says evidence establishes a conclusion | very strong; often too strong for neutral reporting |
Rule of thumb: Choose the least loaded verb that still describes the source accurately.
Functional grammar: reported information
Useful patterns
- The spokesperson states that the trial lasts six weeks.
- The student representative argues that more days are needed.
- The report suggests that attendance may rise.
- According to the survey, most respondents preferred option A.
When you report past speech, a tense shift may be natural: “We are testing the plan.” → The coordinator said that they were testing the plan. But do not change tense mechanically when the information is still presented as current: The website says that the library opens at 8 a.m.
Also check pronouns, time references and place references. Accurate grammar serves accurate meaning.
Pronunciation and spoken clarity
Practise these chunks as complete thought groups: according to the source, the report states that, in contrast, the evidence suggests that. Stress the key information, pause between viewpoints and speak at a pace your listener can follow.
Goal: intelligibility, not accent imitation. A clear message matters more than sounding like a particular variety of English.
Speaking: evidence-based discussion
Work with two short sources about the same fictional school or community issue.
- Speaker 1 reports Source A without adding a personal opinion.
- Speaker 2 reports Source B.
- Together, compare evidence and wording.
- Only then add your own response: My view is … because …
Use phrases such as Source A states …, Source B argues …, Both sources mention …, However, they differ on …, and The stronger evidence here is … because ….
If you record yourself, the recording is voluntary and private. Do not upload it unless your teacher has explicitly set up a safe class space and you agree to use it.
Writing: neutral briefing
Write a 120–160 word briefing based on two short fictional sources.
Structure:
- Opening: name the issue and the two sources.
- Comparison: report each position and the evidence it uses.
- Closing: state what remains uncertain or what would need checking.
Do not invent agreement. Do not turn a source says into it is a fact. Keep quotations short and exact. Keep your own opinion out unless the task asks for it.
Mediation: purpose before translation
German source note: „Die Schülervertretung schlägt vor, den Projekttag auf zwei Tage zu erweitern. Die Schulleitung möchte zuerst prüfen, ob genügend Räume und Aufsichtspersonen verfügbar sind.“
Task: An English-speaking exchange student asks what is being discussed. Give the relevant information in 50–70 words in English. Do not translate sentence by sentence. Make the two positions clear and adapt the wording to the reader's purpose.
Media analysis and source criticism
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Use the SPELC check for a text, post, clip or generated answer:
| Check | Question |
|---|---|
| Source | Who created or published it? |
| Purpose | To inform, explain, persuade, entertain or sell? |
| Evidence | What supports the key statement? |
| Language | Which words add certainty, doubt, praise or blame? |
| Context | What date, audience or missing information could change the meaning? |
Use the Crash Course introduction to media literacy as a wider context. Do not treat a video as reliable simply because it looks professional. Check creator, purpose, evidence and relevance to your task.
Help: sentence frames
| Function | Sentence frame |
|---|---|
| attribute | According to …, … |
| report neutrally | X states/reports that … |
| mark a position | X argues that … |
| show caution | X suggests that … |
| compare | Both sources …, but they differ on … |
| identify uncertainty | The available information does not show whether … |
| separate your view | My own view is …; this is different from Source A's position. |
Feedback and revision
Give feedback on meaning first, then language.
- Underline every reporting verb. Ask: Does the original source justify this verb?
- Box every source reference. Ask: Is it always clear who says what?
- Mark one sentence where two sources are compared. Ask: Is the comparison supported?
- Check links between ideas: however, while, in contrast, similarly, according to.
- Revise grammar and spelling after the meaning is secure.
Error analysis: repair the meaning
Problem 1: The coordinator admits that the library will close at 5. Why it matters: admits suggests a concession or uncomfortable truth. The source only gave information. Better: The coordinator states that the library will close at 5.
Problem 2: Both sides agree that the trial is successful. Why it matters: neither fictional source said the trial was already successful. Better: report only what each source actually says.
Problem 3: AI confirms that the quote is correct. Why it matters: a generated answer is not the original source. Better: check the quote in the original material and cite that source.
Responsible use of digital tools and AI
Keep your own draft and your source notes. Check any AI-generated wording, facts, quotations and references against the original sources. Do not send class texts, recordings or personal data to an external AI service unless this is explicitly authorised for the task. Do not let a tool silently replace your text: compare changes and decide what you keep.
Can-do check
| I can … | Yes | Almost | My next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| report a source without changing its position | □ | □ | |
| explain why claims and admits are not the same as states | □ | □ | |
| compare two sources with evidence | □ | □ | |
| mediate relevant information for a specific reader | □ | □ | |
| revise attribution, cohesion and language independently | □ | □ | |
| check generated information against original sources | □ | □ |
Transfer and follow-up
Choose two short English sources on the same non-sensitive school, science, culture or community topic. Write a 150-word neutral briefing, then highlight every reporting verb and explain one choice. For the next step, continue with E10 E - Compare sources and evaluate reliability.
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
Which reporting verb is usually suitable when a source simply gives information? (states) (!admits) (!warns) (!denies)
What does the verb claims often signal? (It reports a statement without confirming it as true) (!It proves the statement is correct) (!It always praises the speaker) (!It means the speaker has apologised)
Why can admits be risky in neutral reporting? (It can add the idea of a difficult or negative concession) (!It has no meaning beyond says) (!It always means the source is lying) (!It can only be used in questions)
Which sentence keeps source attribution clear? (The survey reports that 62 percent of respondents chose option A) (!Option A is definitely best because 62 percent chose it) (!Everyone agrees that option A is best) (!It is obvious that option A must win)
What should you do first with a surprising statement from an online post? (Check the original source and its context) (!Repeat it with a stronger verb) (!Remove the source name) (!Treat the number of likes as proof)
What is the main goal of mediation in this course? (Select and convey relevant information for a specific reader) (!Translate every word in the same order) (!Add your own opinion to make the text longer) (!Replace all source references with general statements)
Which phrase clearly separates your own view from source reporting? (My own view is different from Source A because) (!Source A definitely proves that) (!Everybody knows that) (!The source must be wrong because)
What is a useful first revision step? (Check every reporting verb against the original source) (!Replace all verbs with sophisticated synonyms) (!Delete all source references) (!Add stronger claims to sound confident)
How should AI-generated facts or quotations be treated? (They should be checked against reliable original sources) (!They are automatically verified) (!They should replace your own notes) (!They never need a source)
Which comparison is appropriately cautious? (Both sources discuss the trial but they differ on how far it should go) (!Both sources prove the same solution is correct) (!Both sources secretly want the same result) (!Both sources are biased in exactly the same way)
Memory
| states | reports information in a mainly descriptive way |
| argues | presents a reasoned position |
| suggests | gives a tentative idea or proposal |
| admits | accepts a difficult or previously disputed point |
| denies | rejects an accusation or statement |
| warns | points to a risk or danger |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Thema |
|---|---|
| states | mainly descriptive attribution |
| claims | statement reported without confirmation |
| argues | reasoned position |
| admits | concession with possible negative weight |
| warns | risk or danger |
Kreuzworträtsel
| source | Where does information come from? |
| context | What surrounding information helps you understand a statement? |
| evidence | What supports a statement or conclusion? |
| paraphrase | What do you call reporting the core meaning in new words? |
| neutral | Which adjective describes wording that avoids unnecessary judgment? |
| verify | Which verb means to check whether information is supported? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- Reporting verbs: Rewrite six sentences with states, argues, suggests or warns and explain one choice.
- Source attribution: Take a short fictional school notice and add clear attribution to every reported point.
- Listening notes: Rewatch one embedded video and write five keyword notes, then one neutral summary sentence.
- Pronunciation: Practise four source-reporting chunks with clear sentence stress; recording is optional and stays private.
Standard
- Text comparison: Compare two fictional reports of the same school event and mark fact, viewpoint and missing information.
- Neutral briefing: Write a 120–160 word briefing from two sources and revise every reporting verb.
- Sprachmittlung: Turn a short German school notice into an English message for an exchange student, selecting only relevant details.
- Media analysis: Apply the SPELC check to a public educational video and present your findings in English.
Schwer
- Source triangulation: Use three age-appropriate English sources on one school, science or culture topic and identify agreement, disagreement and uncertainty.
- Newsroom simulation: In a small group, create a fictional press briefing with two viewpoints; one learner reports, another checks wording against the source.
- Revision log: Produce a first draft, peer feedback and a final draft; explain three changes that improved accuracy or neutrality.
- Tool critique: If your teacher explicitly allows an AI tool, compare one generated summary with the original source, identify meaning shifts and keep your own final wording; do not upload personal data or private recordings.
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Lernkontrolle
- Meaning shift: A report changes states to admits. Explain how the meaning changes and decide whether the original supports that change.
- Source comparison: Given two short sources, write a neutral synthesis that includes one similarity, one difference and one open question.
- Evidence check: Identify which sentence is supported by a source and which sentence adds an unsupported conclusion; justify with text evidence.
- Mediation task: Select information from a German notice for a specific English-speaking reader and explain why two details were left out.
- Revision task: Improve a short report with unclear attribution, weak cohesion and one loaded reporting verb. Annotate your changes.
- Transfer task: Evaluate a generated summary against its source. Mark accurate paraphrase, missing context and any invented information.
Lernnachweis
Für einen Lernnachweis zu diesem Thema ist wichtig:
- Source attribution: Quellen werden klar und konsequent genannt.
- Reporting verbs: Verben verändern die Aussage nicht unbeabsichtigt.
- Textvergleich: Gemeinsamkeiten, Unterschiede und Unsicherheiten werden belegt.
- Quellenkritik: Urheber, Zweck, Evidenz, Sprache und Kontext werden geprüft.
- Writing: Der Text ist kohärent, präzise, adressatengerecht und selbstständig überarbeitet.
- Sprachmittlung: Relevante Informationen werden zweck- und adressatengerecht vermittelt statt vollständig übersetzt.
- Revision: Feedback wird sichtbar genutzt; die eigene Textfassung bleibt nachvollziehbar erhalten.
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