Last updated: 24 juin 2026
Vocabulary Guide: Media, Information & Journalism

Vocabulary Guide: Media, Information & Journalism
Total Word Count: 1,850+ words
In the age of social media and fake news, the "Media" theme is a staple of TEF/TCF Reading Section C. You will likely see texts about:
- The decline of print newspapers.
- The danger of algorithms.
- The power (and corruption) of journalists.
This vocabulary set ensures you don't miss the nuance in these dense articles.
Part 1: The Media Landscape (Le Paysage Médiatique)
Nouns:
- La presse écrite (Print media/newspapers).
- Les médias numériques (Digital media).
- Un quotidien (Daily newspaper).
- Un hebdomadaire (Weekly magazine).
- Les réseaux sociaux (Social networks).
- La parution / la publication (The issue / publication).
Part 2: Journalism & Ethics (La Déontologie)
Nouns:
- Un journaliste / Un reporter.
- Un envoyé spécial (Special correspondent).
- La liberté de la presse (Freedom of the press).
- L'indépendance éditoriale (Editorial independence).
- La censure (Censorship).
- Une source fiable (A reliable source).
Part 3: The Dark Side of News (Désinformation)
Nouns:
- Les infox / Fake news (Fake news).
- La rumeur (Rumor).
- Le complotisme (Conspiracy theories).
- Un canular (A hoax / prank).
- La désinformation (Misinformation).
- Un biais (A bias).
Part 4: Argumentative Phrases for Media Debates
If you are asked to debate "Is the Internet killing the press?", use these:
Pros of Digital Media:
- "L'information est accessible en temps réel."
Part 5: Specific Terms for Reading Section C
- Un éditorial (Edito): An opinion piece by the editor.
- Une dépêche: A short wire report from an agency (AFP).
- Un reportage: An in-depth investigation/story.
- Une tribune: An op-ed written by an outsider (expert).
- Le sensationnel: Focus on shock value rather than facts.
Part 6: Practice (Fill in the blanks)
"Pour éviter de tomber dans le piège des ____, il est essentiel de ____ les informations et de privilégier des ____ reconnues."
- Answers: Infox / Vérifier / Sources (ou médias).
Aiming for ?
Conclusion
The Media theme is about Credibility. When reading, ask yourself: Is the author praising the speed of news (Innovation) or mourning the loss of accuracy (Tradition)? Master verbs like Diffuser, Démentir, Dénoncer to accurately summarize these viewpoints.