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.

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.