Headline Softener

Students read harsh or blunt news-style headlines and rewrite each one using a euphemism to make it sound softer or more professional. This helps learners understand how word choice affects tone in media and public communication. The activity supports writing skills by requiring students to maintain meaning while altering tone. Learners develop vocabulary flexibility and awareness of how euphemisms are used in journalism. It also strengthens critical thinking as students compare the emotional impact of different phrasing.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Rewriting for Tone and Professionalism

English Language Arts – Vocabulary and Expression Selection

Media Literacy – Understanding Language in News Headlines

Critical Thinking – Evaluating Impact of Word Choice

This worksheet is part of our Euphemism Worksheets collection.