Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tuesday, May 14 editorial writing


ASSIGNMENT:   writing your own editorial.  DUE FRIDAY, May 17.
I am aware that many of you will be participating in the Lilac Festival.  Plan accordingly; this is due midnight Friday. (NO EXCEPTIONS). There will be only two more class grades after this and the final (25% of the marking period.)
FINAL EXAM IN CLASS ON THURSDAY, JUNE 6

At this point you have turned in your pre-writing on your editorial selection(or not, but that was your choice.). Please review the information on how to write a good editorial, remembering that research is very important.

Details: minimum 500 words.
            minimum 3 facts with their sources noted (you do not need to do formal citations).
            grammar / spelling / language conventions....if you are unsure of the expectations, please reread the Atlantic review from last week.
There will be only one more writing grade, which, if you recall, goes in the 40% category. Proof read your work carefully.
Before beginning, please review the following information on 

Transitional Words & Phrases

Using transitional words and phrases
helps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next.
Transitions enhance logical organization and understandability
and improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations,
whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper.
This list illustrates categories of "relationships" between ideas,followed by words and phrases that can make the connections:
Addition:
also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly
When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations.
Consequence:
accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose,
hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore
Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.
Contrast and Comparison:
contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,
on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,
similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast
The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care.
Direction:
here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,
to the left, to the right, in the distance
She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way.
Diversion:
by the way, incidentally
He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.
Emphasisabove all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly
The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.
Exception:
aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save
Consensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.
Exemplifying:chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely,
particularly, including, specifically, such as
Some friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.
Generalizing:
as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually
There were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wanted to avoid the alternative course.
Illustration:
for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration,
illustrated with, as an example, in this case
The chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematic diagram.
Similarity:
comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, together with
The research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made the audience tear up.
Restatement:
in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently
In their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried to convey the message subtly though with creativity.
Sequence:
at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time,
for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on,
meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,
simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,
The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.
Summarizing:
after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event,
in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis,
in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally
She didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don't get paid until the end of the month.



Monday, May 13, 2013

Monday, May 13,,,,,,editorial pre writing

PLease copy and past the pre-writing exercise, respond to the questions and send along by the end of class.

Purpose of an editorial:
    
 Primary:
to persuade! If you can't take a stand, you do not have a good editorial
 Secondary:
to inform and/or to entertain

 
How do editorials achieve their purpose?
 
They May Criticize or Attack: If they criticize, they require suggestions for change. If you launch an attack against something, you must be impeccable in your charge. An attack is forceful; criticism does not have to be forceful, but it has to be held down with facts and suggestions for change. Defend: Stand up for an individual or an institution under attack by society.
Compliment: Show evidence that the compliment is deserved. Offer praise when warranted.
Instigate, advocate or appeal: To instigate editorially would mean that the newspaper intended to go on a crusade for something--improvements in the school study hall system, for example. Or you might advocate that this be accomplished by backing suggestions put out by a school committee that studied the problem. An appeal editorial might mean that you’d encourage  people to donate to a school fund drive or vote for a  tax levy increase.
Entertain: An entertaining editorial is good for the reader’s soul, but it should have a worthwhile point and should be written about something worth the reader’s time.
Predict: Support your predictions with fact.

Where Does the Editorial Writer Begin?
 
 Choose an issue


ResearchDo not share your ignorance!  Instead, use primary and secondary sources


Gather Support  (logos)

Gather as many details as possible to convince others that your position is the right one.  Present facts, evidence, written statements from reliable sources or authorities in the subject (experts). Make comparisons to similar situations that support your argument, pictures or images that strengthen your argument.
Present the opposing argument along with evidence that it is fallacious (based on faulty reasoning), weak, or simply not as strong, important, realistic, practical etc. as yours. 

Connect support to purpose The body should have clear and accurate details and examples that you specifically connect to your opinion.  Give strong arguments in the beginning and end of the editorial. Show the opposing arguments and their weaknesses. Offer a solution at the end. Be strong – do not waver in your convictions. Stick to your argument or opinion.

 General Information
 
Your editorial should be clear and forceful. Do not preach. Paragraphs should be brief and direct. Give examples and illustrations. Be honest and accurate. Don't be too dramatic.
Avoid moralizing editorials. They tend to preach and turn the reader off. Whatever type of editorial you write, it must be built around logical framework.


 Editorial Pre-Writing
Your Opinion Can Change the World!
            Note: Pointing out what’s wrong is easier than contributing to a problem’s solution – and a good editorial’s concern should be to better a situation, not bludgeon it. Remember, also, no matter what your purpose or topic, an editorial is no place to indulge in personal attacks. Be smart! Don’t whine or gripe – use your energy to convince! 

1. What is a problem/issue that our socieity faces today?

  
2. What is your  view/position on the problem or situation?

   
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
  
  
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.

   


5. How will you arouse your readership to action in your conclusion? 



6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?

Friday, May 10, 2013

Friday, May 10 crime test and editorial choice



 

In class: crime terms test.
Please read the following information. Come prepared on Monday with an issue on which you would like to write an editorial. On Monday, we will do a pre writing exercise. 


Purpose of an editorial:
    
 Primary:
to persuade! If you can't take a stand, you do not have a good editorial
 Secondary:
to inform and/or to entertain

 
How do editorials achieve their purpose?
 
They May Criticize or Attack: If they criticize, they require suggestions for change. If you launch an attack against something, you must be impeccable in your charge. An attack is forceful; criticism does not have to be forceful, but it has to be held down with facts and suggestions for change. Defend: Stand up for an individual or an institution under attack by society.
Compliment: Show evidence that the compliment is deserved. Offer praise when warranted.
Instigate, advocate or appeal: To instigate editorially would mean that the newspaper intended to go on a crusade for something--improvements in the school study hall system, for example. Or you might advocate that this be accomplished by backing suggestions put out by a school committee that studied the problem. An appeal editorial might mean that you’d encourage  people to donate to a school fund drive or vote for a  tax levy increase.
Entertain: An entertaining editorial is good for the reader’s soul, but it should have a worthwhile point and should be written about something worth the reader’s time.
Predict: Support your predictions with fact.

Where Does the Editorial Writer Begin?
 
 Choose an issue

ResearchDo not share your ignorance!  Instead, use primary and secondary sources


Gather Support  (logos)

Gather as many details as possible to convince others that your position is the right one.  Present facts, evidence, written statements from reliable sources or authorities in the subject (experts). Make comparisons to similar situations that support your argument, pictures or images that strengthen your argument.
Present the opposing argument along with evidence that it is fallacious (based on faulty reasoning), weak, or simply not as strong, important, realistic, practical etc. as yours. 

Connect support to purpose The body should have clear and accurate details and examples that you specifically connect to your opinion.  Give strong arguments in the beginning and end of the editorial. Show the opposing arguments and their weaknesses. Offer a solution at the end. Be strong – do not waver in your convictions. Stick to your argument or opinion.

 General Information
 
Your editorial should be clear and forceful. Do not preach. Paragraphs should be brief and direct. Give examples and illustrations. Be honest and accurate. Don't be too dramatic.
Avoid moralizing editorials. They tend to preach and turn the reader off. Whatever type of editorial you write, it must be built around logical framework.


PLease copy and past the following, respond to the questions and send along.

 Editorial Pre-Writing
Your Opinion Can Change the World!
            Note: Pointing out what’s wrong is easier than contributing to a problem’s solution – and a good editorial’s concern should be to better a situation, not bludgeon it. Remember, also, no matter what your purpose or topic, an editorial is no place to indulge in personal attacks. Be smart! Don’t whine or gripe – use your energy to convince! 

1. What is a problem/issue that our socieity faces today?

  
2. What is your  view/position on the problem or situation?

   
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
  
  
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.

   


5. How will you arouse your readership to action in your conclusion? 



6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Wednesday / Thursday May 8 and 9 editorial analysis

Please read the two editorials, Street Gangs: The 800 Pound Gorilla and After Spiderman. Then for each respond to the following questions.  Please get these to me by midnight Thursday, only if you had an AP exam on either Wednesday or Thursday; otherwise, it is due at the end of class on Thursday.  Remember: crime vocab test on Friday. 


Evaluating Editorials

Read the opinion pieces number 1 and 2; on a word document answer the following question for each one:

1.  Make a talley of the words or phrases that represent facts in the piece and those that are the opinions.

2.  Which are there more of?


3. What is the opinion of the writer that he or she is trying to persuade the reader to believe?


4. A. What is the opposite opinion of the writer, the one he disagrees with?


    B. Is this mentioned in the essay and does the writer try to discredit this opinion? Or is it implied?  Explain.


5. How does the writer try to convince the reader?
 A. Does the writer use appeals to reason?  Explain.


 B. Does the writer use appeals to emotions?  Explain.


6.  What background details does the writer include?


7. A. Did you learn something from reading this commentary?


    B. Did you change your mind because of reading it or did you come away unconvinced?  Explain.


8.  How well-written is this commentary, whether you agree with it or not?  Explain.




9. Though the last two editorials are not written on the same topic, which editorial is better? Why? Answer this only once.


 

 1) Street Gangs: The ‘800 Pound Gorilla’

Street Gangs: The ‘800 Pound Gorilla’ During my recent research on street gangs, one item was made clear. They are the primary source for drug distribution. The list of crimes conducted by these street gangs on a daily basis is: Drug trafficking, murder, bribery, extortion, robbery, carjacking, prostitution, human trafficking, and money laundering. Some gangs concentrate on some of these crimes but all of them have drug trafficking as their number one activity. Street gangs are the primary vehicle for drug trafficking. This makes them truly a menace to our society. Yet, we ignore them for the most part. We tend to be “blind” to their destruction and terror. There are 1.4 million street gang members (2011) and we act like they don’t exist. According to the US Department of Labor there are more than 2.1 million men and women locked up (incarcerated). The majority are there for drug related crimes. Approximately 650,000 persons are released from our jails/prisons each year but at least 52% will return within three years for parole violation or a criminal act. It is a social disgrace to have that many human beings incarcerated and then they get into a “revolving door”. The cost of housing each prisoner in a state prison can be as high as $45,000 per year. Wait – it gets worse! It is so disappointing that when we persuade a company to hire some of our youngsters for on the job training they cannot pass a drug test. During the Katrina rebuilding we would warn them that they will be getting drug tested in a couple of months so get yourself clean. For many it was too late, they were hooked and couldn’t shake it. To many drug dealing is a very big “business” and right now, in America, business is too damn good. The gang leaders don’t have a recruiting program; they “draft”. One day my aunt in Los Angeles asked her grandson if he were in the Crips. His reply was, “Grandma, I have no choice it is Crips or die”. And these young members have quotas to fill. They must push the dope and get as many hooked as possible. The Peoria, Illinois Chamber of Commerce once did a job study for Black youth (18 – 30). The number one employer was the City government; number two was the local utility company and number three was the illegal drug activity. Peoria has a population of approximately 100,000 persons. No place of any size is immune from drug trafficking. I could not find credible estimates of how large the illegal drug business is in America but with certainly it is at least $250 billion per year. I bet we would be surprised where some of it ends up. My brothers and sisters we have an extreme problem that needs urgent fixing. I would like to see Black elected officials become more active about addressing this problem. It is my firm belief that withdrawal programs are not the end solution. We need to come together and do something radically progressive. Nothing that has been tried in the past has improved this “illness”. The time has come for bold, Americana style action. The first thing we should do is legalize drugs. Treat it like liquor and cigarettes, tax the mess out of it, regulate it wisely. The demand for illegally transported drugs will soon dry up and the use of street gangs will become endangered. We could close many prisons and reduce enforcement officers along with parole and probation officers. The next thing we need to do is to write new legislation. Organized street gangs should be described as racketeering enterprises. Amend the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act to include street gangs with certain severe prosecution of their leadership. Everyone knows who the leaders are and where they live. A good example of this is how authorities are currently going after the street gang MS – 13. According to the Associated Press, “The Obama administration declared the ultra-violent street gang MS – 13 to be an international criminal group ….The aim is to freeze it out of the U.S. financial system and seize what are estimated to be millions of dollars in criminal profits from drug… and other crimes committed in this country”. Let’s form a taskforce like the old “Untouchables”. Forfeit their assets, bust up their leadership and strongly police our banking system that plays along with some of the vast money laundering that is taking place. If we follow the money and clean up the inside corruption that is taking place we will begin to turn the tide. Imagine our nation becoming a populous of people living productive lives once again. Right now we are just seeing our cultures and neighborhoods slide into oblivion. It is not something so great that we cannot manage. Some common sense, a lot of courage and a taste of vision could change it around. God bless us. Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org


2) After 'Spider-Man'

While Rochester has been understandably enthralled by Main Street’s current stint as a Hollywood film set, it is incumbent on the community’s directors (local and state officials) to keep one lens trained on the end game.
After the cameras and battered stunt vehicles are trucked away, the politicians who surrendered Rochester’s main downtown drag for 10 days should demonstrate to the public that it was well worth it, and that it might lead to lucrative film and TV activity down the line.
It’s difficult to picture the latest Spider-Man flick not being a commercial success when it lands in theaters about a year from now. So it’s understandable that some question whether the movie’s producers need public assistance, in the form of a 30 percent state tax credit, to successfully follow last year’s The Amazing Spider-Man, reported to have pulled in more than $750 million globally.
It was good of the film production company to canvas local businesses to discuss mitigating lost customer traffic during the shoot. Still, if one found passage to some of the storefronts quarantined by Spider-Man last week, they also found a mixture of excitement, leeriness and anger among proprietors.
Even before the production company settles up with the city over services, including overtime police and firefighter details, City Hall should look at auditing the affected businesses to determine to what extent they’ve been financially impacted.
Too, it won’t be known whether a projected $640,000 Spider-Man infusion into the local economy — not counting dollars spent by curious spectators — materializes until long after Columbia Pictures wraps their Rochester excursion. After the company submits its receipts to the state, the public should expect a final report.


It’s up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to offer a yearly report on the benefit of allotting $420 million in tax breaks to filmmakers amid criticism of deals that have the public subsidizing prosperous industries. (See: New York state and Erie County promising $94.5 million to the Buffalo Bills last year.)
These 10 days offer a vital learning experience for public officials and the film industry. If the experience proves positive for all, regional economic stakeholders should push to duplicate the success seen by Schenectady, which enjoyed a $2 million bump from the filming of 2013’s The Place Beyond the Pines, filmed principally in that small upstate city. The Finger Lakes region offers countless colorful spots to backdrop film and TV scenes.
Despite the inconveniences, the electric crowds along Main Street are a welcome sight. Still, New York state and City Hall must validate priming the pump for the film industry.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Tuesday, May 7 analyzing editorials

REMEMBER AP CRIME TERMS TEST THIS FRIDAY!



An editorial is defined as a statement of opinion by a magazine or newspaper editor or a television or radio station.
(noun)
An example of an editorial is an article written by the editor of a newspaper detailing his opinion on something.
The definition of editorial is something related to the content in a newspaper or magazine or something written by an editor.
(adjective)
Our next short unit will be on writing an editorial.  This is where you will get to express your opinion.  But, as with most things in life, there are rules. To get you started, I thought it might be fun to listen to a few soap box editiorials by David Mitchell. See profile below. 

Picture of David Mitchell

Profile

David Mitchell is an actor, writer and comedian. Star of the BBC television sketch show That Mitchell and Webb Look, and the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show, he is also a regular participant on TV panel shows. He writes comment articles for the Guardian and Observer on subjects as diverse as sport and politics, and presents Soap Box, a video series wherein he sounds off about stuff.

There is less than 16 minutes total for all 4 clips. Choose three of the following and compose one well-written sentence that sums up Mitchell's thesis for each of the editorials.. Include textual material.  Send along, please:)

1) On giving compliments  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yakx7XC6eg0

2) Naming your child  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xblh12XgQ4o

3) On America  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7O0MFkmpw

4. Carb free diets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttMrSCnQnnk

Monday, May 6 criminal terms

In class: we are finishing up the photo presentations, and reviewing marking period 5's grades. This last marking period will go very, very quickly.  

Short easy homework grade: please learn the following crime terms for a quiz on Friday.  They are words that are often bantered about, without a precise understanding.


A guide to crime in the AP Stylebook

People are arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. In some states, the district attorney decides whether enough evidence exists to charge a suspect with a crime. If someone is arrested on a charge of murder, be sure the district attorney has charged the suspect. Otherwise, you'll be talking about libel to the suspect’s lawyer. This is a distinction from the AP Stylebook, which suggests the wording “arrested on a charge of.” This may be legal in some states, but not all. “Arrested on suspicion of” avoids the issue of whether someone has been charged with a crime.

Assault: Technically, an assault is the threat of violence, such as pointing a gun at someone or yelling “I’m gonna kill you!”

Assault and battery: When someone is actually touched by the assaulter or his agent (stick,knife, gun, etc.), battery has occurred.

Burglary: Entering a building (but not necessarily breaking in) with the intent to commit a crime is burglary. Even if the criminal is scared out of the house before swiping the jewels, the crook has committed burglary. However, if you mistake someone else’s house for your own – perhaps you are too drunk or tired to tell the difference – you have not committed burglary.

Larceny (legal term for stealing and theft): This is the wrongful taking of property.

Robbery: Used in a legal sense, it is the use of violence or threat in committing larceny. “Giveme your money or I'll shoot” is a threat to a bank teller. If I brandish a gun when I take your wallet, I am using the threat of violence. If I throw you against a wall when I take your wallet, I am using violence. Used in commonly accepted broader sense, it means to plunder, which means a house can be robbed when a person is not present. You rob a person or house, but you steal the jewels or money.

Theft: Larceny without threat or violence is theft.

Homicide: This is the legal term for slaying or killing.

Murder: Malicious, premeditated homicide is murder. Unless police say premeditation was involved, don’t say a victim was murdered until someone is convicted in court. Instead, say the victim was killed or slain.

Manslaughter: This is homicide without malice or premeditation.

Assassin: A politically motivated killer is an assassin.

Killer: This is a generic term for anyone who kills with a motive of any kind.

Murderer: Someone who is convicted of murder in a court of law.

– Compiled by Dr. Deborah Gump, Ohio University (gump@ohio.edu)

Thursday, May 2, 2013