After watching or reading the CNN News Segment, "From Homeless to Harvard," evaluate how well the news segment was produced by answering the following questions. You may copy the questions and paste them into a Word document or other type of document you can type into. Then, you can type in your answers and/or print them out, scan (or take a picture of) your answers, and submit to the Assignments board.
NOTE: Remember that you are not evaluating the story of the student who was homeless, but you are evaluating CNN's ability to report on this story as a news segment.
This CNN news segment tells the story of a homeless high school senior who ambitiously overcomes her homelessness to get accepted into Harvard University. Do you think this CNN news segment is good or bad?
Who could be the news segment's potential audience? Do you think they are familiar with the subject?
What criteria would you suggest in deciding if this news segment is good or bad (the first one is done for you)?
A good news segment would include a humanitarian subject .
A good news segment .
A good news segment .
What judgment statement and evidence (specific examples) can you give to show that this news segment meets each of these criteria (the first one is done for you)?
This news segment presents the humanitarian nature of a homeless student's advocates who helped support her in her time of need. [Judgment of the criteria of a humanitarian subject] For example, the people in her community provided her with shelter, food, and clothes while she continued her high school studies, and her principal encouraged and helped her apply to colleges, including Harvard. [Evidence of this news segment being a humanitarian subject]
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Who might argue against this news segment being good?
How can you respectfully refute someone who thinks this news segment is not good?
Thinking about your criteria, judgments, and evidence, what would be a good thesis for a paper evaluating this news segment?
What could be something you leave your readers to think about in the conclusion of your essay?
This CNN news segment tells the story of a homeless high school senior who ambitiously overcomes her homelessness to get accepted into Harvard University. Do you think this CNN news segment is good or bad?
I believe this CNN news segment is good.
Who could be the news segment's potential audience? Do you think they are familiar with the subject?
The potential audience for this news segment could include individuals interested in education, social issues, and inspirational stories. While some may be familiar with the subject of homelessness, others may not be as familiar with the challenges faced by homeless students trying to pursue higher education.
What criteria would you suggest in deciding if this news segment is good or bad (the first one is done for you)?
- A good news segment would include a humanitarian subject.
- A good news segment would be well-researched and provide relevant background information.
- A good news segment would effectively convey the emotional journey of the protagonist.
What judgment statement and evidence (specific examples) can you give to show that this news segment meets each of these criteria (the first one is done for you)?
- This news segment presents the humanitarian nature of a homeless student's advocates who helped support her in her time of need. [Judgment of the criteria of a humanitarian subject] For example, the people in her community provided her with shelter, food, and clothes while she continued her high school studies, and her principal encouraged and helped her apply to colleges, including Harvard. [Evidence of this news segment being a humanitarian subject]
Who might argue against this news segment being good?
Some individuals might argue that the news segment could focus more on the systemic issues that lead to youth homelessness rather than just highlighting a single success story.
How can you respectfully refute someone who thinks this news segment is not good?
While it is important to address systemic issues, sharing inspirational stories like the one in this news segment can help raise awareness and inspire positive change. By highlighting personal triumphs, the news segment can show that there is hope even in the face of adversity.
Thinking about your criteria, judgments, and evidence, what would be a good thesis for a paper evaluating this news segment?
The CNN news segment "From Homeless to Harvard" effectively portrays the resilience and determination of a homeless student on her journey to academic success, while also shedding light on the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
What could be something you leave your readers to think about in the conclusion of your essay?
In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who have overcome immense challenges, while also acknowledging the need for larger societal changes to address the root causes of homelessness and inequality. Through awareness, support, and advocacy, we can work towards a more equitable future for all individuals, particularly those facing homelessness and other social injustices.