Core: Effective Writing
Assignment:
For the three "Text Analysis" assignments, you are to write a one page, two paragraph piece of writing where in one paragraph, provide a concise yet informative summary and in the second paragraph give a brief but critical analysis of the effectiveness of the text.
Also include the bibliographic citation for the article as a Works Cited in MLA format. To choose a text to analyze, check online news sites (cnn, nhcnews, abcnews, newsweek, or any site that has stories about current events and happenings) and scan the link titles for something that looks interesting and relevant'.
This assignment calls for three distinct parts:
The first is to summarize the article. For the summary, include in your own words, the main idea and any relevant supporting points - if you use the author's words, make sure to quote correctly.
The second part of the assignment, paragraph two, analyze the writing of the text. Consider the following to include in your response (you DO NOT have to respond to all of the following; pick two or three to focus on):
• What type of support does the writer offer?
• How does the writer appeal to readers?
• How evenhandedly does the writer present the argument / information?
• Does the writer use any logical fallacies?
• What, if any, authorities or other sources of information does the writer use?
• How does the writer address you as the reader?
You are not commenting on what the article's content is, just how it is presented (i.e. I don't care whether you agree or disagree with what the author wrote, just whether you think the author wrote it effectively or not).
The third part is to list, in MLA format, the citation of the work you use.
Purpose is to show that you understood and then analyzed the text carefully and then to take a judgment as to the text's effectiveness.
For these assignments, your audience is me - I should be able to understand the main concept of the text through your summary and feel confident in your assertion of the effectiveness of the piece based on your points of analysis. This assignment sheet outlines the reader's (mine) expectations of what to find. Your writing should be concise and formal.
See example for specific format and details.
I Relevancy is subjective, but avoid tabloidy type stories. Focus more on current affairs, nationally or worldwide.