COM 101
Comparison/Audience Analysis Essay
(25 points, 1000 words)
Objective
Students compare the article from the Reader Response Essay to a related article and discuss the similarities and differences of each article’s respective target audience. Comprehension and analysis are key to writing the essay. The course learning outcomes developed in the
assignment are: 1, 2, 5,6, and 8. The outcomes can be found listed in the syllabus.
The Task
Read the article “Is College Worth It?” by Meija et al. The article can be linked here:
https://www.ppic.org/publication/is-college-worth-it/
The link is also posted on the assignment page in Canvas. If the link does not work, copy and
paste the URL into a browser. If it still does not function, let me know. You will need Tyler
Curtis’ article used in the Reader Response Essay.
In an essay written for a general reader, discuss how each article differs in its appeal to its
target audience. This will require a significant amount of forethought since you need to
consider both similarities and differences between the two articles. Admittedly, this is a
challenging essay to organize and to write. Don’t try to do it all at one time.
Your audience is a general reader; that is, someone who has not read either article. For this
reason, the essay will begin with a summary of each article. Review the PowerPoint on
summarization. The essay is written in the third person; do not use
I, us, we, or you.
Organization
I summary of one article
II. summary of the other article
Review the PowerPoint on writing a summary. Each summary should occupy a single, well-
developed paragraph.
III. Thesis
The thesis should occupy a well-developed paragraph that briefly describes the articles’
similarities (subject matter) as well as the differences between each article’s target audience.
These differences will serve as the discussion points to be covered in the discussion.
IV Discussion
Integrating quotation throughout, each discussion paragraph will provide context for the
general reader and discuss similarities as well how the authors approach the subject matter
based upon the target audience. A single discussion point may require a couple paragraphs;
don’t be afraid to write. Keep in mind the needs of your general reader whom you assume has
not read either article.
V Conclusion
In a single paragraph, restate your main findings. Be consistent with the direction that was
defined in the thesis.
Works Cited
Cite both articles according to MLA format. Use of any other format shall result in a grade of D
t 65%. In-text citations must adhere to MLA format as well.
Guard against:
Inconsistent treatment of the articles
Giving your opinion on the subject
Evaluating how well the authors make their arguments
Massive Pragraphs-Be mindful of paragraph breaks.
