RUMORS 101
1. What is the primary characteristic of a rumor?
a. It is always true
b. It is based on verified facts
c. It is unverified information that spreads
d. It only happens online
c. It is unverified information that spreads
3. Which is the best first step when you hear a rumor about someone?
a. Share it with your best friend ONLY
b. Post it on social media from an anonymous account
c. Question its reliability - it it even true?
d. Tell everyone you know and even people you do not know
c. Question its reliability - it it even true?
11. What is the best way to verify if information is true?
a. Ask a trusted reliable source
b. Check social media
c. Listen to more rumors
d. Wait for someone to deny it
a. Ask a trusted reliable source
9. What is a healthy way to handle conflict in middle school?
a. Ignore the person
b. Talk directly to the person involved
c. Start a rumor about them
d. Tell everyone about the conflict
b. Talk directly to the person involved
Rumor or Real Life Fact?
"I heard that the actor who plays Spider-Man, Tom Holland, is quitting the Marvel movies because he doesn't like being famous anymore."
RUMOR!
Why it’s a rumor:
This claim isn’t confirmed by Tom Holland or any official source. Celebrities often face rumors about their careers or personal lives, which are not based on actual information. A fact would be an official statement from the actor or Marvel Studios.
2. Why do rumors often spread quickly in middle school?
a. Teachers encourage them
b. Social media requires them
c. They are always true
d. Students seek social connection and attention
d. Students seek social connection and attention
6. Which is a positive outcome of avoiding drama?
a. Losing friends
b. Missing out on social events
c. Better mental well-being
d. Getting more popular
c. Better mental well-being
18. What is the best way to support a friend who is the subject of rumors?
a. Spread counter-rumors
b. Listen and offer support
c. Ignore their situation
d. Join in the gossip
b. Listen and offer support
15. How can you be a positive influence in your school community?
a. Know all the latest gossip
b. Avoid spreading rumors
c. Stay neutral in conflicts
d. Ignore everyone's problems
b. Avoid spreading rumors
Rumor or Real Life Fact?
"Fortnite is still a popular game with millions of active players worldwide, and it has continued to release new updates and seasons to keep the game fresh."
FACT!
Why it’s a fact:
This is verifiable by checking the game's official website, news about updates, and player statistics.
12. How can you help stop a rumor from spreading?
a. Tell everyone it's not true
b. Refuse to participate in spreading it
c. Start a different rumor
d. Write about it online
b. Refuse to participate in spreading it
8. How does staying drama-free benefit your academic life?
a. It has no effect on academics
b. It reduces focus on schoolwork
c. It allows better concentration
d. It makes classes longer
c. It allows better concentration
16. What should you do if you accidentally spread a rumor?
a. Deny you said anything
b. Apologize and correct the misinformation
c. Start a new rumor
d. Blame someone else
b. Apologize and correct the misinformation
6. What is an example of active listening?
A) Interrupting to share your opinion
B) Texting while someone talks to you
C) Nodding and asking follow-up questions to show you understand
D) Thinking about your response while the other person is talking
C) Nodding and asking follow-up questions to show you understand
Rumor or Real Life Fact?
"Taylor Swift released her album Evermore in December 2020, which was her second surprise album of the year after Folklore."
FACT!
Why it’s a fact:
This is verifiable through Taylor Swift’s social media posts, music streaming platforms, and media outlets. The albums are available for listening, and their release dates are confirmed by Swift and her team.
4. How can you identify if information is likely to be a rumor?
a. If it comes from multiple sources
b. If it lacks specific evidence or facts
c. If an adult told you
d. If it's written down
b. If it lacks specific evidence or facts
10. Which statement about drama is TRUE?
a. Drama only affects popular students
b. Drama is necessary for friendships
c. Drama can cause stress and anxiety
d. Drama can be entertaining so it is worth the social consequences
c. Drama can cause stress and anxiety
5. What should you do if someone tries to share a rumor with you?
a. Politely say you do not want to listen to it
b. Ask for more details and then decide if you should spread it
c. Share it with others
d. Write it down but do not tell anyone
a. Politely say you do not want to listen to it
8. What does peer pressure mean?
A) When your friends encourage you to try new activities
B) When someone tries to make you do something to fit in or follow the group
C) When you pressure your friends to do something they don’t want to
D) When your friends give you positive advice
B) When someone tries to make you do something to fit in or follow the group
Rumor or Real Life Fact?
"I heard that LeBron James is going to retire after this season and leave the Lakers for good."
RUMOR!
Why it’s a rumor:
This is unverified and speculative. There were no official statements from LeBron James or the Lakers confirming his retirement at the time.
7. What is the best response when someone asks you to spread a rumor?
a. Tell only your best friend, no one else
b. Change some details first to make it less worse to share
c. Tell them you do not want to share it and would rather not get involved
d. Wait a day before spreading it, and then tell only a few people
c. Tell them you do not want to share it and would rather not get involved
13. What is a common sign that drama is affecting your well-being?
a. Having more friends
b. Getting better grades
c. Feeling anxious or distracted
d. Enjoying school more
c. Feeling anxious or distracted
20. Which of the following is an example of a rumor and which is an example of a fact? and why?
"I heard that our school is closing down next week because of a big problem, but I'm not sure where I heard it from."
or
"The principal sent an email today saying that there will be no school next Monday for a holiday break."
Rumor:
"I heard that our school is closing down next week because of a big problem, but I'm not sure where I heard it from."
Why it’s a rumor:
The person who said this doesn't know the source of the information, and it hasn't been confirmed by the school. Rumors are usually spread without real proof and can cause confusion or worry.
Fact:
"The principal sent an email today saying that there will be no school next Monday for a holiday break."
Why it’s a fact:
This statement is based on a direct and official message from the principal, which can be confirmed. Facts are things that are true and can be checked by a reliable source.
20. What’s a healthy way to manage stress caused by gossip?
A) Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or counselor
B) Spread more gossip to get it off your chest
C) Ignore your feelings and pretend everything is fine
D) Yell at the people who started the gossip
A) Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or counselor
Rumor or Real Life Fact?
"Usain Bolt retired from professional sprinting after the 2017 World Championships and has not returned to competitive racing. He has not announced plans to come back for the 2024 Olympics."
FACT!
Why it’s a fact:
This can be verified through Bolt’s official social media and interviews where he confirmed his retirement.