Competency 3: Produces text for personal and social reasons

(university studies and full-time employment) reinforces many things about writing: Make the idea interesting, Get the information right, Keep the writing fresh.

Clarify specific article types Quick activity Competency & Resources

To model: News article Editorial Letters to the Editor To introduce: Contemporary issues To demonstrate: Bias & “spin” in reporting = Solid foundation

Foundation News Editorial Proficiency Feature Article Analysis / Comment Opinion Column

Reports on events and issues Is timely (short shelf-life) Answers the “5 Ws and H” Structured as “inverted pyramid”

Comments on topical, timely event or issue Takes a stance Aims to convince people to think or act a certain way Is structured with an introduction, development and a directive

Explores in more depth an event, issue or personality Aims to amuse, provoke thought, inform, challenge Is structured with a clear beginning, middle & end - linear, circular, or a “beaded necklace” Shows flair in the writing

A FEATURE article enlightens the reader with an insight into a trend or an issue or personality, often put into a broader context ; is topical, or explores a compelling issue that might otherwise go unreported; uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue, & puts them in a broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate and/or political implications to shine through. Adapted from Reuters Handbook for Journalism

Discusses and interprets an event, issue, personality Takes a stance Aims to provoke thought, inform, challenge Is structured with a clear beginning, middle & end

An ANALYSIS stems from the writer’s authority and expertise in the subject area, but, is not a vehicle for personal view (see Opinion Column); should pursue an angle or line of argument, based on facts or data. Adapted from Reuters Handbook for Journalism

Takes a stance Allows the writer to be part of the article Aims to influence readers through logic, wit, and/or humour Is structured with a clear beginning, middle & end Requires a strong writer’s voice; flair and personality should shine

An OPINION COLUMN is a showcase for expertise and insight uses fresh perspectives and novel thinking expresses a point of view should include defendable, justifiable arguments reflects the individual tone and style of the writer. Adapted from Reuters Handbook for Journalism

Darwin Award Honorable Mention Narrative vs News

A feature article, or an analysis/comment, or an opinion column - inspired by this event. Consider your Angle Research Headline and lead.

In Secondary V, students select topics of (political) interest address unfamiliar (as well as familiar) audiences manipulate codes and conventions for deliberate effect assume a range of stances consolidate revision and editing techniques Adapted from Scales of Competency Levels Secondary School Education Cycle Two

Acceptable (3) Thorough (4) Advanced (5) The student uses specific characteristics of target audience to craft a production uses suitable codes and conventions of (the) form compares the impact of various forms of text respects language conventions to develop a quality production consults a variety of sources to support production process and revision revises productions to better communicate a message Adapted from Scales of Competency Levels Secondary School Education Cycle Two

Classroom activities Guidelines for researching & writing Handy websites Questions