Write a response for each of these activities. At the end of the lesson, click the link on the final screen to open the Student Answer Sheet. Use the sample answers to evaluate your own work.
1.Analyzing Editorials
a.Select a newspaper from this list of prominent newspapers, and read a variety of recent editorials. Then read some editorials from one or two additional newspapers from different parts of the country. What do you notice about the editorial topics and opinions selected from different newspapers throughout the country?
Type your response here: They all involve different ways of tone and language use in the newspapers.
b.Analyze one of the editorials you read. Write a paragraph that answers these questions:
•What was the subject of the editorial?
•What was the author’s position on the topic?
•How did the author support his or her opinion? (Give specific examples from the text, such as facts, quotes, and statistics.)
Type your response here:
c.Errors in logic, or fallacies, can make an argument appear weak and
unconvincing. Read about good arguments versus fallacies, and complete the five exercises. Then write two syllogisms of your own that are based on fallacies, and explain their logical errors. You might choose from these fallacies: validity problem, post hoc, slippery slope, straw man, inconsistency, begging the question, false dilemma, non sequitur, and ad hominem.
The Research paper on Newspaper and Credibility
In logic and rhetoric, a fallacy is usually an improper argumentation in reasoning often resulting in a misconception or presumption. Literally, a fallacy is “an error in reasoning that renders an argument logically invalid” It is important to use relevant, accurate, and reliable sources in a research paper. What do you need to consider when searching for useful sources? How do you ...
Type your response here:
How did you do? Check a box below.
0 Nailed It!—I included all of the same ideas as the model response on the Student Answer Sheet.
0 Halfway There—I included most of the ideas in the model response on the Student Answer Sheet.
0 Not Great—I did not include any of the ideas in the model response on the Student Answer Sheet.
Teacher-Graded Activities
Write a response for each of the following activities. Check the Evaluation section at the end of this document to make sure you have met the expected criteria for the assignment. When you have finished, submit your work to your teacher.
1.Write a Letter
On the editorial page of most newspapers, you will also find letters that people have written to the editor in response to articles or opinion columns. Write a letter to the editor stating your position on the editorial you analyzed in activity 1b. Your opinion may agree or disagree with the editorial. If you agree with the author’s opinion, be prepared to add further support (such as research, examples, and analysis) to your statement. Write your letter in business letter format. Be sure to include a clear description of the issue and compelling evidence to support your opinion. And, remember to use persuasive language.
Type your response here:
2.Debate a Topic
Work with a group to brainstorm a list of current debate topics. Decide which side of the issue you will research (pro or con), and have another student take the opposite stance. Agree on a time to hold a mock debate in which each of you will state your position on the topic and present your supporting research. Be sure to submit your position in written form, and cite any sources, electronic or print, that you have used. Include use of persuasive strategies, such as loaded words and repetition, while avoiding fallacy and illogical thinking in your argument. You may want to add visuals (photographs or data tables) to your presentation to make your argument even more convincing. At the conclusion of the debate, poll the audience to determine their opinions as to which side presented the more convincing argument.
Type your response here:
The Term Paper on Cover Letter. What is it?
It is generally accepted practice to include a cover (or covering) letter, together with your resume and any other documentation that you forward to the employer as part of a job application. Your covering letter essentially provides an explanation of why you are communicating with the employer. Imagine a prospective employer’s confusion if they received your resume without a covering letter ...
Evaluation
Your teacher will use these rubrics to evaluate the completeness of your work as well as the clarity of thinking you exhibit.
Activity 2: Write a Letter
Criteria
Distinguished
(4 points)•The topic of the editorial and the author’s position are both clearly stated in the letter. •The student’s position on the topic is supported with three or more statements of fact or supporting data providing compelling evidence. •The assignment is written in the form of a letter with an appropriate greeting and closing and a developed body. •The tone and language of the letter are professional and persuasive. •The letter is free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Proficient
(3 points)•The topic of the editorial and the author’s position are both stated in the letter. •The student’s position on the topic is supported with two or more statements of fact or supporting data providing evidence that is somewhat compelling. •The assignment is written in the form of a letter with an appropriate greeting and closing and a developed body. •The tone and language of the letter are mostly professional and persuasive. •The letter is mostly free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Developing
(2 points)•The topic of the editorial and the author’s position are both understood, although perhaps not thoroughly stated. •The student’s position on the topic is supported with two or more statements of fact or supporting data. •The assignment is written in the form of a letter with a greeting, closing, and body. •The tone and language of the letter are somewhat professional and persuasive. •The letter contains some grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Beginning
(1 point)•Either the topic of the editorial or the author’s position is not clear or evident. •The student’s position on the topic is minimally supported. •The assignment is written in the form of a letter, but either the greeting or the closing is missing. •The tone and language of the letter are more informal than professional and are not very persuasive. •The letter contains several noticeable errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
