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Overview
NEWS ANALYSIS:
The News Analysis is a highly-structured assignment which directs students
through a series of
tasks related to the study of current events. For my classes, a news
event is assigned weekly, relying on Junior Scholastic Magazine as a primary
source. Students complete the News Analysis to prepare for our weekly discussion
of a current news topic. On that day, we hold a lengthy discussion of the
event. In the process, we relate the news event to the linkages which preceded
it, both recent and historical. We propose interview questions to be directed
to individuals related to the news story. We finish with an Editorial Commentary,
where students react to the event and propose constructive steps to consider
in an effort to work towards a possible solution.
Task:
EDITORIAL COMMENTARY:
In this section you have a chance to interact with the news story which
you have covered. Remember, the earlier sections of the analysis have been
objective. You have limited yourself to the facts of the event. You have
had one section, the "Inquiry" where you have been able to interact a bit
by interviewing a person related to the story, but in the editorial, you
have a chance to be more expressive.
There are really two purposes for an editorial. First, you can express
your emotional reaction to the events of the story. Emotions such as sympathy
for victims, outrage over instigators of an event would be some examples.
Second, you are to offer some constructive criticism. What could have been
done differently, and by whom? What could be developed as a plan to prevent
future occurrences of such events? What would you have done under similar
circumstances?
An editorial should be no shorter than a full paragraph, and could easily
be a page long. Be sure to use your proofreading rules to check your final
copy for errors. It's a good idea to read some editorials by professionals
in the newspaper for models of effective writing.
Resources:
Project: Media
Space
Once you've completed your editorial
commentary, you have the option of contributing a copy to "MEDIA SPACE"
... a module hosted by Northwestern University's Collaboratory Project.
Click on the link given below, and follow directions to contribute your
work:
http://collaboratory.nunet.net/neighborhood/mediaspace/Action_Buttons.cfm?Button=2
http://collaboratory.nunet.net/neighborhood/mediaspace/hub.cfm?HoldID=51
Assessment:
Each of the criteria listed below should
be assigned a valuation, (1,2,3,4), with "4" signifying the highest level
of accomplishment:
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Is the writer's opinion clearly
expressed?
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Is there adequate inclusion of
facts to support stated opinions?
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Is there an attempt to offer constructive
solutions to the issue of concern?
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Does the editorial conclude with
a summary restatement of the writer's opinion?
Student's assessment scores should total
no less than 10.
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