Media is communication with the people from different sources and perspectives from all around the world, but has its pros and cons. CNN International, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters are some well known sources people use to gain knowledge on what is going on internationally (Chamberlain). Politicians use mass media like television, radio, and newspaper to get in contact with the citizens, but not everyone in the world has all those ways to get the news (Chamberlain). In some countries the people will get the newspaper, but not have a radio or a television. Lastly, the words “breaking news” automatically spread fast to the minds of people especially when natural disasters occur and depending how severe the damages are in that particular country (Chamberlain). Both Indonesia and Sri Lanka were hit by a tsunami which was caused by a strong earthquake on December 26, 2004 ("Asian Tsunami Disaster 2004."). The United States reported that over 30, 000 lives have been taken by the tsunami and over one million people are missing and/or displaced (Sri Lanka Devastated). Note: This point, “Research paper to date,” continues to the point that the student is completed at the time of the Discussion Topic submission date and very likely will be in rough draft form / in dire need of editing. In the sample above I cut it down to just the introduction for brevity’s sake. Also, students should bear in mind the busy schedules of the Discussion Topic Leaders and not assume that the papers were read in full. Unanswerable Question What are the factors that affect international media decision making? Note: Once established, the unanswerable question cannot change. This promotes research done to answer a question, rather than a question being created to accommodate research done. Proposed Sections and Focal Points LIMITED TOPIC: Media: The difference between the U.S. and Sri Lanka CENTRAL POINT -How does Sri Lanka cover the news? -Government regulations/ Censorship issues in Sri Lanka CENTRAL POINT -What is the point of view of the U. S. media coverage? CENTRAL POINT -Does Sri Lanka approve of the U.S. media coverage of their natural disaster (the tsunami)? Note: It is perfectly acceptable, and perhaps even desirable, for students to submit elements from the manual’s charts that assisted in creating proposed sections and focal points, or any other section for the Topic Discussion packet. Thesis Statement to date
with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about. Key question: Does the organizational structure enhance the theme and make it easier to understand? Key scoring points: Strong writing enhances and showcases the central idea or theme of the paper; includes a satisfying introduction and conclusion Developing writing is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion. Beginning writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Voice The Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call voice. Key question: Would you keep reading this piece if it were longer? Key scoring points: Strong writing speaks directly to the reader in a manner that is individual, compelling, engaging, and has personality. Developing writing seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling. Beginning writing seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or the audience. Word Choice Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary that impresses the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. Key question: Do the words and phrases create vivid pictures and linger in the mind?