The Assignment
Do #3 from exercise 4.3 on page 62 of your textbook.
Perform a focal plane analysis to the article answering the following questions (in addition to the questions from exercise 4.3):
How is the conclusion of the piece supported with sufficient arguments or factual evidence?
Use concrete examples from the article (quotes) to evaluate its quality.
What are the implications of the ideas of the author?
Reflect on what could be the consequences of the ideas presented by the author. Evaluate the author’s perspective using sufficient supporting evidence. (what are the consequences if the author is correct in their statements?)
What do you think are the author’s influences?
Reflect on what lines of thought, contexts, or assumptions can influence the ideas presented in the editorial. (how objective or biased is the author and why?
Finally, include your opinion on the topic
Consider the complexity of the issue and present your own arguments in support or contrast of the position of the author of the article. Reflect on what lines of thought, contexts, or assumptions can influence your own ideas.
For your news story (or, if you prefer, news editorial), you may use online news sources such as CNN.com, MSNBC.com or similar sites. Make sure you include the link to the story you use for this assignment so that I might see it too. Write your answers to the above as a short informal essay, apx. ¾ page in length, no less than 200 words using a size 12 font and double spacing. This assignment does not have to be in MLA format.
Resources
Textbook: Becoming a Strategic Thinker: Developing Skills for Success by W. James Potter.
The following news sites may be of use in this exercise:
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/ (link opens in new window)
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/ (link opens in new window)
Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/ (link opens in new window)
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/ (link opens in new window)
NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/ (link opens in new window)
WRAL News: https://www.wral.com/ (link opens in new window)
ABC 11 News: https://abc11.com/ (link opens in new window)
Fayetteville Observer: https://www.fayobserver.com/
