News Article Assignment s3

NEWS ARTICLE ASSIGNMENT

Newspapers are the “reading text” for many people. News- papers contain fiction, non-fiction, poetry, symbol readings (reading of numbers), “reading” of visuals (comics, ads, and cartoons), and the literary elements - opinions stated as facts, allusions, loaded language, propaganda, exaggerations, etc. . For this assignment, everyone will read a current news article.

Step #1: Select a current news article that is in the front section (section A) of a newspaper; use good judgment when selecting the article – make sure you can complete all requirements of the assignment with the article you select. (ONLY news articles - not: ads, short bulletin type information pieces, or editorials) from the front section will earn credit. If you have a question, see teacher BEFORE you begin.

Step #2: Read entire article and complete ALL information asked for on the form (on back of this page). ON THE ARTICLE highlight the one sentence that is the thesis sentence/topic sentence.

Step #3: Determine ONE physical thing that best represents the main topic of the article (ex: article about a new electric car – visual could be a car; article about a political rally – visual could be the animal emblem for a political party; article about a fire – visual could be a hose, or fire truck, or fireman’s helmet, or flames. These “basic visual shapes” need to be big enough for you to write on!. Clipart, drawings, real articles can be used; visual must be in color (markers, crayon, chalk, etc.) A.) Always sketch your visual element on scratch paper to make sure it will be big enough for the required written work that must go on it. Write your summary & make sure it will fit on visual. Make adjustments to visual before you begin. Where on visual is best place for your writing? B.) ON FRONT OF VISUAL write the 4 – 6 sentence summary of article. (Remember: do NOT just copy sentences from the news article! It is Plagiarism to copy more than 3 significant words in a row! Read the article and use your words to summarize the main points. C.) ON BACK OF VISUAL write your name.

Step #4: In INK complete the New Article form on the back of this sheet. Write in complete sentences; grammar counts. If you need extra space, staple an extra sheet of notebook paper to you work.

Step #5: Paper clip (clips on front desk) together: (1) this form, (2) the entire news article, and (3) your visual. PLEASE DO Not staple these together.

Step #6: Be ready to discuss your article/ submit all items on time

DUE DATE:______beginning of class Grade (Formative): Visual & Summary: 25 pts possible Opinion: 25 pts possible Basic Information/ completing all steps/ following directions/neatness: 10 pts possible Attached to work is the entire news article (not just the first part): 5 points Name:______Section I: Basic Information:

1. Name of Newspaper: ______Section II: 2. Date of Newspaper: ______3. Page where article starts: ______Copy word-for-word the thesis sentence from the news article: 4. Article’s author (if given):______5.) Source where the newspaper______got the article (look carefully at beginning of your article for this info, source ______Thesis Sentence/ Topic Sentence:

Section III: Opinion of Article’s Topic- In 50 – 110 words give your opinion on the article’s topic – be specific and explain your opinion thoroughly. (Yes, of course grammar, spelling and wording counts!) Form is on class website ______– if you _____ want to ______type your ______information, go to website, get a copy, type on copy - print