A practical checklist for Explaining international news

Before sharing a story from another country, spend two minutes checking what it actually claims. This checklist separates a documented event from a rushed interpretation.

1. Find the central event

Write a sentence without loaded adjectives: who did what, where and when? If the event cannot be summarized without repeating the author’s opinion, the report may mix news and commentary. Separate statements from actions that really occurred.

2. Verify date, location and updates

A genuine photograph can depict an older event or another country. Check captions, earliest publication and later corrections. In war, elections or disasters, circumstances may change substantially within a day.

3. Trace documents and sources

Look for complete speeches, rulings, reports, datasets and identifiable witnesses. One anonymous post is not independent confirmation. Agencies, official institutions and local organizations may contribute evidence, but all sources require scrutiny.

4. Compare independent coverage

Read outlets based in different countries and, when possible, local reporting. Do they agree on fundamental facts? When they disagree, describe the precise dispute rather than choosing the headline that matches your preferences.

5. Examine figures, maps and translations

Check units, time periods, the boundaries shown and counting methods. Automated translation may distort a crucial quote. Large numbers need denominators: people affected should be discussed relative to place, population and period.

6. Decide what can responsibly be stated

Distinguish confirmed, plausible, disputed and unknown information. Say when figures are preliminary. Avoid revealing the locations or personal details of vulnerable individuals simply to make a post more dramatic.

A short verification process can prevent a well-intentioned share from spreading material that is false or missing context.