Transcript Level 6 Activity 2.9 - Everett Public Schools

Level 6 Activity 2.9
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
Go back to pages 128-130 and
review your notes and/or reread
the article “Facebook Photos Sting
Minnesota High School Students”.
This article connects to the next
article we will read in this activity.
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
Purpose of 2.9:
• To develop techniques for actively
reading an editorial text
• To examine the impact of audience
and context on rhetorical choices
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
WNB: Academic Vocab
NEWS STORY: to inform the reader about
a particular and noteworthy event.
Example: “Facebook Photos Sting
Minnesota High School Students”
EDITORIAL: may also be to inform, but its
main objective is to persuade.
Example: “Abolish High School Football”
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
When reading an Editorial:
1. Examine the headline, sub-headline
and related cartoon (if it exists). What
will this editorial be about? What
guesses or assumptions can you make
about the writer’s perspective at this
point?
2. Look at the writer’s name and
affiliation, if given. What do you
know about the writer’s background
and/or personal bias at this point?
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
When reading an Editorial:
3. Read the first two or three paragraphs
very carefully. What issue is the writer
discussing and what is his/her stance on
the issue?
4. Once you have determined ‘stance’,
stop reading for a moment or two. What
is the other side of the issue? Who might
think differently? Do you know any
reasons that might support the
opposition to the writer’s stance?
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
When reading an Editorial:
5. Continue reading. What are two of the
strongest pieces of evidence that the
writer uses to support his or her side of
the issue? Why are they effective?
6. Did the writer persuade you? Did the
writer address/refute the main objections
to the opposition? Given an example.
What did he/she not address? Why might
the writer have chosen not to address
this element? Fair to other side? Why?
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
When reading an Editorial:
7. Go back through the editorial and circle
words and phrases that are “slanted”.
How do these words affect your feelings
about the issue? About the writer?
8. If the writer were standing right next to
you now, what would you say to him or
her?
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
Pages 141-143:
1. Read the editorial “Facing
Consequences at Eden Prairie High”
(pg 142-143)
2. Now, turn back to page 141 and work
to complete the editorial evaluation
chart on pg 141. Use the Questions
on pg 140 to guide your writing.
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
Discussion
• Look at the article again. Which
‘slanters’ are used in this editorial?
• Do you agree with the view presented
in this editorial? Or, the view presented
on the same issue in the article on
pages 128-130? Why?
• The Minnesota high school Facebook
suspensions articles will be the focus
of an editorial you will write
tomorrow.
2.9 – How to Read an Editorial
WNB: QuickWrite
Title: Author’s Language
• Write a paragraph, using the topic sentence below,
analyzing the author’s use of language to construct
argument and target the intended audience. Cite
specific examples from the text (at least THREE).
In “Facing Consequences at Eden Prairie High” from the
Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune, the writer tailors
the language to persuade parents, students, and the
public to praise the actions of the administration.