Written Task # 3
The Things They Carried and Bias in the Media Unit
You need to complete one written task based on our Unit of The Things They Carried and Media Bias. Your written task must be a certain style and register, and must convey your understanding of that style and also the subject matter. You may choose any style or register that you would like in order to demonstrate your knowledge. Your written task must be at least 800 words, but not longer than 1000.
Register: The variation of language according to the situation. The language style and vocabulary to suit the audience (Informal, Formal, Colloquial, Informative, Persuasive, etc.)
TEXT TYPES
Opinion Column
Components: Have a passionate opinion about an issue. Let your voice come
and have a thesis. Have an interesting opening. Stick to the main point. Use
some facts. Argue your point like a lawyer. Understand and maybe address opposing viewpoints. Use analogies. Localize and Personalize. Provide a Solution that relates to the beginning.
Script of a Speech
Components: Choose an appropriate topic and theme. Choose an appropriate
Audience and forum. Use rhetorical devices of speeches. Introduce the theme,
develop the theme with some facts, and provide a conclusion. Review your
notes on speech writing.
Letter
Components: Know the form and type of the letter. Choose who you are
writing to. Choose what topic you are writing about. Use the right tone of
voice. Have a specific subject to address. Conclude the letter properly.
Interview
Components: You must choose a person and a subject that you want to
explore more in depth. You must do research regarding that person and
subject. Your questions should be mostly open-ended. Ask factual questions first, and then analytical questions. Have a reason for the interview.
Debate
Components: Decide what two teams will debate and what topic they will
debate. Decide who is the audience. Choose an opening statement and a
rebuttal. Make sure to include persuasive techniques, especially reasons/logic, concessions, and refutation. Include sources.
Advertisement
Components: You must choose a product to advertise and a form in which to
advertise it. You must decide who is your target audience and grab their
attention. Use persuasive language to get their interest. Incorporate some
facts and statistics. Appeal to senses (emotion), ethics, and reason. You must
organize your advertisement logically for the viewer. The viewer must take
some form of action.
Diary/Journal
Components: Your diary/Journal is a recording of chronological events that
take place in the life of someone, so include the date. Make sure that you
explain what happened, but also how it made the person feel. Try to focus on one event or a series of events related to one topic.
Brochure/Guide
Components: Pick a topic that you think needs addressing. Make sure you
have a particular audience in mind. Have multiple sub-topics about your idea.
Include some facts. Include specific details of advice or information. Organize
the material in a way that makes sense. Use appropriate diction for your
audience.
Children’s Story
Components: Choose an appropriate topic for children. Think about simple
behaviors of children. Create a character that appeals to children, but also
has a conflict. Introduce the character, develop the conflict and allow the
character to resolve it, but not too easily. Have an obvious theme. Use
appropriate diction and think about how words go with pictures.
Eulogy
Components: You must choose a person that has died. You should briefly
recap their life with details. Give anecdotes, narratives, values, character
traits, or personal memories. You should try to give a final message about the life of that person that applies to the world.
Journalistic Review
Components: Choose a product to review and where it will be reviewed
(what audience). Give relevant information and a summary about the
product. Critique the product by going through the best to worst aspects of it. Be fair and balanced. Conclude your review with your overall recommendation for the product.
Other possibilities
Police Report
Blog
Magazine Article
Reminders
Make sure that you include sources that you use for any type of writing. Planning and organization are the most important aspects of this. Make sure that you review examples and keep your writing focused. Remember that the Written Tasks focus on REGISTER and STYLE. Know your audience and know your topic.
MORE TIPS:
Written Tasks
MLA Format
IB #
Number of Words
Part 1 (Language in a cultural context) and Part 2 (Language in Mass Communication) Written Task
Content
Sources Censorship
Facts Privacy
Purpose Multitasking
Information Politics
Education
Addiction
Style
Register
Techniques
Voice
Persuasion
Style
Diction
Syntax
Simile
Metaphors
Literature (parts 2 <texts in context> & 3 <critical study>) Written Task
Content
Quote?
4-5 Specific references to book
THEMATIC CONNECTION
Style
Register
Voice
Techniques
Style of Author
IB Rationale
Analyze your own writing
1. What is the purpose?
- Explanation of what you did and why
- What is the register?
- What is the intended audience and why?
- Is it formal or informal?
2. How do you demonstrate Content Knowledge?
- Explain the Unit a little bit
- Give examples of where in your task you show knowledge
3. How do you demonstrate knowledge of style?
- Voice
- Diction
- Pastiche
- Techniques
- Examples in your writing