Ways to Get News:
Comparative Analysis
Explore:
Your task is to find a
news story about the
war. I want you to examine how the same story is reported
on by three different types of media – the newspapers, TV
news, and the Internet.
You will need to record a newscast (either on VHS or DVD)
so you have access to it. Make a copy of a newspaper
article (or cut one out of the paper – please don’t cut up
the library’s papers!) and print off a copy of the story
from the Internet.
Examine/Annotate:
Your task is to examine the way different media portray the
same story. What techniques do each use to present the
material? What techniques are used to appeal to an
audience? Who is the audience? What visual techniques are
used for each?
Comparative Analysis:
I want you write a paper in which you analyze the
differences among the three types of media. Some things you
might think about or focus on: visual appeal, the audience,
the type of material presented, points of emphasis in the
story.
Planning and Drafting
You will need to consider your thesis in two ways: 1.)
Identify the thesis of each story, and 2.) identify the
claim you want to make in response to each. That is, what
do the texts say, and what will you say in response? You
must summarize and analyze the situation. For any visual
analysis, you will use at least two principles or elements
of design in your analysis.
Consider the following thesis statements:
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The newspaper story is more effective.
The visual on the Internet appeals more to ethical
concerns.
 One appeals to logic, the other to emotions.
 All three present similar views, but each is intended
for a different audience.
Also, consider the following questions as you draft your
essay:
 What is the writer’s position?
 What has happened to make the subject newsworthy?
 Define the intended audience for each of the media.
 What evidence or support does the writer offer?
 How does the visual newscast offer support?
 How are the differences among the three media
significant in presenting the story?
Remember: provide context; state author/title/genre/source;
summarize written and visual text. Choose a pattern of
organization—block or sequence—and use topic sentences.
Make explicit comparisons. Offer support. Use
transitions.
Some
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Evaluation Criteria
Three stories cover similar position on recent issue
Proper APA citation
Introduction provides context and
author/title/genre/source
Clear, concise summary for story (includes thesis and
main ideas)
Identifies your thesis and main ideas
Offers support with clear pattern of organization
Uses quotes accurately and appropriately
Conclusion reflects ideas presented in essay
Avoids errors in correctness
Follows the COMES rubric
Your paper should be approximately 1000 words (4-5 pages).
Be sure to look over the evaluation rubric on the website
for how I’ll evaluate your paper.