Which statement best defines fake news as described?

• A. Blatantly false or misleading information presented as true by a source viewed as trustworthy
• B. News that is too sensational
• C. Information that comes from social media
• D. News that is critical of government

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is deliberate deception: information that is false or misleading is presented as true by a source that people view as trustworthy. Fake news thrives by masquerading as credible reporting, so readers accept it without questioning the evidence or checking sources. This is what sets fake news apart from ordinary sensationalism, which can be exaggerated but isn’t necessarily false; from information simply shared on social media, which can be true or false regardless of the platform; and from news that is critical of government, which is a political stance that can be based on real facts. The defining factor is the combination of false or misleading content with the appearance of credibility to persuade people.