Neutral Language

10.11.12

Today's focus is on how to write with neutral language--in other words, how do we write objectively in our summaries, even when the article we are summarizing is subjective?

1. Subjective and Objective Language (ppt)

2. Bias in the news
Can you spot any subjective language in this news article?

3. Reporting a subjective opinion
Although we are being objective in our writing, sometimes we have to work with subjective articles.We thus need to know how to represent those subjective opinions without sounding like we feel the same way.
Open Subjectivity in biography to practice finding and changing this language.

4. Peer Review for Neutral Language
Open both your Short Summary 1 and Short Summary 2. Switch desks with a partner. In your partner's summaries, highlight anywhere you think there is subjective/biased language. Basically, look for any language that is not neutral!

5. Summary Article 3
Our third article for summarizing is actually a sound clip with a transcript from National Public Radio (NPR). I encourage you to listen to the clip before reading the transcript. Afterward, if you need more clarification, check the transcript.
Article 3: sound clip, transcript 
NOTE: In the sound clip, please only listen to 10:35!

Points to clarify: 
What is "reality tv"?
Who is Kim Kardashian?
What does the phrase "chicken and egg" mean? (ex. "Which is the chicken and which is the egg?" "...chicken and egg scenario."

Please have this Short Summary 3 ready for class on 10/16.