Module 2: Assignment 1 — Comparative Discussion Board 350-400 words
***Important Note regarding all Discussion Board submissions: We must be able to view your post directly on the Discussion Board. If you don’t write your post directly on the discussion board, then copy and paste. Do not simply provide a link. If you have trouble, use the keyboard: Copy (Control + C) and Paste (Control + V).***
Introduction
For this discussion board, you will compare non-academic vs. academic writing by reading two sample articles and writing a thoughtful analysis paragraph about their differences based on audience. This assignment will allow you to: (1) begin thinking critically about writing; (2) examine how audience affects communication; (3) investigate the differences between academic and non-academic writing broadly; and (4) begin crafting well-organized, well-supported paragraphs using the MEAL plan strategy.
Assignment
Review the following two articles:
Non-Academic Article from CNN: “Move Over, Sit Still! Why Kids Need to Move in School”: (https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/03/health/children-movement-schools-classroom/index.html)
Academic Article from The Physical Educator (academic journal): “Perceptions of the Effects of Recess on Kindergartners” ( Academic Piece Academic Piece – Alternative Formats download)
Once you review both articles carefully, take a few moments to review their rhetorical situation (see Chapter 1 from your reading below). What is the context for each article? What is the purpose? Who is the audience? What style of writing (genre) did they use and why? Once you identify the audience of each piece, look very carefully at how the articles were written. How are they organized? What kind of evidence do they use? What’s their tone and style like? How is the article formatted on the page? How do they interact with the reader? Consider these questions with care.
Writing Prompt: Once you’ve investigated both articles, your task will be to write a paragraph that examines HOW the two articles differ based on their AUDIENCE.
Use the MEAL plan to organize your paragraph (main idea, evidence, analysis, and linking statement). Select specific evidence from both articles to show your reader your point, and make sure you analyze how each piece of evidence proves your topic sentence. For this paragraph, you should use a formal tone and style, so edit with care.
Response Requirement:
You must respond to two students within 24 hours of the due date. Please engage constructively with them as you point out the strengths of their posts as well as areas they could improve or continue thinking.
Resources
Textbook Reading: The Little Seagull Handbook
Section W-1: Rhetorical Contexts
Section W- 2: Academic Contexts
Section W-5: Developing Paragraphs
Helpful Handout:
The MEAL Plan The MEAL Plan – Alternative Formats
