Post on 14-Jan-2017
Table of Contents
Know your audience.Who are you writing for?Be knowledgeable.Make a good argument.The Inverted Pyramid.Have an opinion.
Take note:
Who are you writing for? What kind of issues are you writing
about? Is your audience aware of them?How would you introduce these issues to
the clueless?
Chinatown Grocer David Chen
Toronto Star Watch for descriptive
words. Why would these kinds
of words be used for a trial-based story?
What is the objective?
METRO TorontoWhat kind of language
does the article use?Consider the
audience. Why would the content be diff. from The Star?
What kind of language is used in the two articles?
Both are news articles, but they are meant for different audiences.
Assignment #1Choose a well-known play/band/movie/artist/celebrity.Assuming your audience has NEVER heard of your
topic of choice,write a review for a piece of work that showcased their
talent in under 250 words.
Tiger Woods’ Mistresses
What kind of language can you see in the first article?
What about the second article?
Article #1:
Source: Toronto StarCareful choice of words Consulted both sidesDirect quoting from sourceAttention paid to dates and time
Article #2:
Source: perezhilton.comNote that American laws regarding
publishing are far, FAR more lenient than Canadian laws
Readership: 616 according to Alexa.comToronto Star: 2302
Boston Red Socks
Asst.News Editor --> News Editor --> Managing Editor --> Editor-In-Chief--> Copy Editor (FAIL)
Making an argument:
Facebook is important to students in this day and age because technology is always changing. (argument)
Our generation has always grown up around technology to the point where we communicate just as often with cellular phones as we spend face-to-face time with our own friends and family. (support)
To block facebook from our school computers is, therefore, short-sighted and ridiculous. (conclusion)
How to reply to an argument
Technology often prevents students from the full educational experience. (argument)
Although our generation is very used to technology, our dependence on cellphones and virtual networking prevents us from social human interaction, which is what truly counts in the real world. (support)
To block facebook from our school computers is, therefore, a good decision. (conclusion)
How to NOT reply to an argument
Each older generation will criticize the younger generations about things they do not understand. (argument)
Just as our parents' generation were criticized for their choice in style and music, our generation is being suppressed from using technology to interact. (support)
Banning facebook from school computers has nothing to do with education. It has more to do with a generational power struggle. (conclusion)
Q: What was wrong with that argument?
A: The argument made had nothing to do with the topic on hand, which was why
facebook should/should not be a banned website from our school.
Assignment #2
Choose a current event that stirred up controversy. Write an opinion piece under 500 words.
1. G20 police brutality
2. Facebook and right to privacy3. Decriminalization of prostitution
4. Refugees jumping queue5. Outsourcing labour
6. Gay rights and hate crimes7. Sacrilege in music videos