The goal of this assignment is to closely read, analyze, and synthesize secondary sources for the Synthesis Essay.
You’re encouraged to do this assignment over a few days, rather than in one sitting.
Format
Complete the following assignment on a word document and submit it in proper MLA format. Assignments must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
Use subheadings to organize your document.
Number your responses.
Sample Assignment
Sample Close Reading Activity Assignment.docxDownload Sample Close Reading Activity Assignment.docx
You should view the sample assignment to see proper formatting. Note the MLA format for subheadings (bold or italicized and aligned left).
Prompts
Article 1
Read: “Watching the ‘World’s First Tik Tok War'”Links to an external site. by Kyle Chayka (.pdf Download pdf)
Reading Rhetorically and Analyzing the Argument
Read the entire article and jot down comments and questions.
Write 3-5 sentences, explain the purpose of the article and main argument (stance).
Does the author offer reasonable support for the conclusion? List two or three supporting points the author offers to support the main idea.
Identify two or three primary or secondary sources used by the author. Why does the author use the sources? How do they support or disprove claims made by the author?
Identify the counterarguments that are mentioned in the article (information that disputes the author’s stance or contrasting ideas the author mentions). Explain if the author discredits the counterarguments and if you found the counterclaims effective and convincing?
Considering the Larger Context
In 3-5 sentences, identify conversations the article is part of and who else cares about this topic. (Note: to answer this, you need to review the above section from Chapter 2)
In 3-5 sentences, explain your reaction to the article and discuss what you learned from it.
Article 2
Read “The Myth of the ‘First Tik Tok War Download The Myth of the ‘First Tik Tok War” by Kaitlyn Tiffany
Reading Rhetorically and Analyzing the Argument
Read the entire article and jot down comments and questions.
Write 3-5 sentences, explain the purpose of the article and main argument (stance).
Does the author offer reasonable support for the conclusion? List two or three supporting points the author offers to support the main idea.
Identify two or three primary or secondary sources used by the author. Why does the author use the sources? How do they support or disprove claims made by the author?
Identify the counterarguments that are mentioned in the article (information that disputes the author’s stance or contrasting ideas the author mentions). Explain if the author discredits the counterarguments and if you found the counterclaims effective and convincing?
Considering the Larger Context
In 3-5 sentences, identify conversations the article is part of and who else cares about this topic. (Note: to answer this, you need to review the above section from Chapter 2)
In 3-5 sentences, explain your reaction to the article and discuss what you learned from it.
Synthesizing Sources
The next part of this assignment asks you to make connections (synthesize) between the New Yorker article, The Atlantic articleLinks to an external site., and the 60 minutes videoLinks to an external site. (see homepage).
In 3-5 sentences, identify how Tiffany responds to Chayka’s article (see paragraphs 8-9 in the Tiffany article). Does the writer agree or disagree with Chayka? Who do you find more convincing?
Explain the main point of the 60 minutes segment and identify any evidence in the video that supports claims made by Chayka or Tiffany. Write at least 3-5 sentences.
Article 3
New Yorker: “How Social Media Abdicated Responsibility for the News” by Kyle Chayka
.pdf copy of article
In 3-5 sentences, explain how Chayka’s stance on social media as a news source has changed. What does he say about TikTok as news source now? Discuss what he says about how and why his stance has changed.