To encourage students to cast a critical eye over the text and not just accept it as fact we could do a skim reading using some / one of the following questions.
Who is the author?
What was their motivation to write this?
Do you feel the facts are accurate? Why or why not?
Is the author or reporter giving equal attention to all sides of the issue?
How does this piece make you feel personally?
Do you agree or disagree with the author?
Do you believe the ‘facts’ in this article?
How would others (from other countries, cultures, political groups, etc.) feel about it?