for my Mass Media class we have to read newspaper articles and answer Why is the story significant, and what is the impact of the story.. aren't those two the same thing? how can I answer those questions differently?
Let's use the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard today as an example.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/police-search-for-active-shooter-on-grounds-of-washington-navy-yard-in-southeast-dc/2013/09/16/b1d72b9a-1ecb-11e3-b7d1-7153ad47b549_story.html
The story is significant obviously because so many people were deliberately killed and injured. Its impact not only saddens the nation, but also will likely produce ways of preventing such atrocities again.
I'm still slightly confused.
ok we had to tell what the story was about, why the story is significant and what is the impact of the story.
Here's what I have: In Colorado, only 22-thousand homes and businesses have flood insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Agency. Standard homeowner insurance policies don’t cover damage from floods and most homeowners in Colorado don’t have separate flood insurance. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America estimates that 10 to 15 percent of Colorado homes in high-risk flood areas have coverage. The percentage of single-family homes with insurance coverage is in the low single digits in three Colorado counties that were hard hit by the floods, according to FEMA and Census Bureau data.
This story is significant because thousands of Colorado homeowners may face a personal financial disaster in the wake of the state's severe floods.
is there a way I could divide the 2nd part into the significance and impact.. because I think it answers both questions.
The story is significant because it points out the need for adequate insurance.
The impact is that many homeowners may now add flood insurance to their home owners' policy.
ok thanks Ms. Sue I will try and use this method for the next article.. Appreciate your help
You're very welcome, Blaze. And welcome back! :-)
While the two questions may seem similar, they actually explore different dimensions of a news story. Understanding the difference between significance and impact can help you provide a comprehensive analysis of the article. Here's how you can approach each question differently:
1. Significance of the Story: This question seeks to determine why the news story is important or noteworthy. Consider the following when discussing the significance:
- Timeliness: Is the story covering a current, relevant, or groundbreaking event or issue?
- Relevance: Does the story have implications for a specific group of people, community, or society as a whole?
- Uniqueness: Does the story present a new perspective, challenge prevailing norms, or shed light on an underreported topic?
2. Impact of the Story: This question delves into the effects or consequences resulting from the news story. Here are some aspects to consider when evaluating its impact:
- Societal Impact: How does the story influence public opinion, government policies, or social dynamics?
- Practical Impact: Does the story bring about changes in laws, regulations, or people's behavior?
- Personal Impact: How might the story affect individuals, communities, or specific stakeholders?
By addressing both significance and impact, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the newspaper article, highlighting both why it matters and the lasting effects it may have.
When answering the questions, I recommend providing specific evidence or examples from the article to support your analysis. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and provide a more insightful response.