Portfolio Item: Misleading Media Watchdog Portfolio Directions: Follow the guidelines below to create a posting for a media watchdog
website. Your completed posting will be submitted as your portfolio assessment.
Create Your Posting
• Find an example of a misleading graph used in the media. It can come from
the Internet or from a print source, such as a newspaper, magazine, or book.
It could also come from a video, television show, or commercial.
• Cut out, import, print, or make a hand-drawn copy of the graph. If you find
your graph in a video online, you can pause and take a screenshot (or snip)
to use or copy.
• Write a brief introduction for your website posting that includes where you
found the misleading graph. Be sure to include the website address or the
publication name and date.
• Show the graph and explain what features make it misleading.
• Describe what effects the misleading features might have on viewers.
• Using the information from the graph, design a new version of the graph that
is NOT misleading. You can use a computer or other graphing tool or create a
hand-drawn version. You can upload a scanned copy or photo of your graph.
• Describe the changes you made to the original graph and explain how those
changes make your graph a more accurate representation of the data.
• Write a closing paragraph that justifies the need for careful evaluation of
graphs and statistics presented by the media. What misleading
characteristics should you look for?
o Why is it important to carefully analyze graphs and statistics presented
in the media?
o What misleading techniques can your audience look for?