Writing Question

Purpose (Why We’re Doing This)

This writing assignment will help you understand how news media shape political information, public opinion, and democratic participation in the United States. It will also asking you to analyze current political issues while evaluate the media connected tot those issues, and consider how media bias influences citizens political beliefs and behavior.

Task (What To Do)

Write a 3-4 page paper using the provided

In this paper, you should do the following:

• Step 1: Define media bias and explain at least two types of bias or bias strategies, using the “How to Spot 16 Types of Media Bias” by as a guide, or other readings provided in the chapter. Briefly explain why understanding these types of bias matters for citizens in a democracy.
• Step 2: Select two recent news articles (within the last 6 months) that cover the same political topic, personality, or event in American politics. Explain how these articles are (or are not) examples of media bias, including the identified types of bias. Then, compare and contrast the two articles:
  • How does each article frame the issue or actor?
  • What types of media bias (if any) are present in each piece? Provide specific examples (word choice, headlines, use of sources, images, omitted context).
  • Discuss whether one or both articles seem more neutral, partisan, or ideological. How might these differences in coverage affect how citizens understand the issue or evaluate political leaders?
• Part 3: Using recent polling data (such as Gallup or other reputable polling sources provided in the module), discuss how public opinion on your chosen topic looks today. Use this as an opportunity to explain how biased or differently framed coverage might help increase or decrease support for certain policies, parties, or leaders.
• Part 4: Include at least three citations from your text to avoid plagiarism, and include a references page at the end of your essay. Click here for citation help.
• Submit your paper as a .docx or PDF file.

Criteria for Success (How Youll be Graded)

You will be graded on the following:

• Depth of research and analysis (Did you thoroughly examine both articles?)

• Connection to political concepts (media, socialization, ideology, etc.)

• Include at least three citations from your text to avoid plagiarism. Click here for citation help.

• Include hyperlinks to the chosen articles or media.

• Ensure both articles or news media examples were produced within the 6-month time frame (count backward from the due date 6 months).
• Avoid using “op-ed” articles or news for this assignment, as they are biased commentary rather than objective news reporting.

Rubric:

• You can find the assignment
• You can access an example of the research essay created by a student by following this PLEASE DO NOT USE AI