About 50 years ago, I took a Journalism class in HS. This was the first time to my recollection that I gave any recognition to political parties and that they were different. Using the Chgo Tribune and SunTimes, we learned that the Chicago Tribune was a Republican paper and the Chicago Sun-Times was a Democratic paper. I also learned tha…
About 50 years ago, I took a Journalism class in HS. This was the first time to my recollection that I gave any recognition to political parties and that they were different. Using the Chgo Tribune and SunTimes, we learned that the Chicago Tribune was a Republican paper and the Chicago Sun-Times was a Democratic paper. I also learned that the format of the paper was geared to the reader: ie, the SunTimes was a magazine format that was easier to read on the bus, train, or at the diner. The Trib was the longer traditional format that could be spread on a large desk or at a large dining room table.
I was also taught that the reading level of the Trib was 8th grade, and the SunTimes was 5th grade. We studied identical stories in each paper, comparing sentence structure, paragraph lengths, vocabulary used.
(I became a newspaper reader, and a huge fan of Mike Royko. It was huge news when he jumped ship to the Trib.)
I comment on this because while I am a big Obama fan, I did sometimes think he was speaking above the level of the masses, although sincerity and message came through. Tfg seems to communicate at about 2nd grade reading comprehension, this in itself is telling as (IMHO) there is such a gap between the traditional GOP and the Trumpers!!
I have great hope for Biden's speech tomorrow. Those on the right like to complain that he speaks too slowly (ignoring his remarkable accomplishment over stuttering). In my view, I hear tfg yell out a few words, pause, repeat and wait for applause and think to myself "do they really think he is communicating better than Biden?!?" While Biden will often refer to the struggles his father went through, tfg whine on about "poor me" endlessly. If ONLY the more moderate GOP and all Independents would listen, they might find that Biden is accomplishing exactly what we all want, a better America. (although the GOP only seem to want it for some Americans)
Yes, and in the late 1980s, I took a class in expository writing. There, I learned that the new style for journalism had become “build the narrative”. This literally meant that fiction could become the new reality. When I questioned the professor (senior level class) how a reader could understand the facts of a story, he looked at me rather sadly and said: “that is the problem, and I don’t know the answer”. Now, 40 years later, we can all see — not only where that school of thought went, but what it’s tenets led to.
Be sure and look at my clarification note above. “Expository writing is the writing of facts rather than conjecture. Back in the WWII era, this tactic was known as “Double talk”.
valuable to know about, Patricia! getting this background is always helpful (at least to me). when we're dealing with media presenting 'info' that just seems ridiculous or out-of-whack ... i used to think it's just my inability to sort it out. only in the relatively recent past have i finally recognized these tactics... are deliberately intended to confuse and obfuscate. thank you for 'exposing' the expository style of journalism.
One example - maybe a simple one - is the difference between what the headline shouts out (!) and what the facts (hopefully) of the story are. Sometimes complete opposites. If someone only looks at the headline without reading the story - as I believe many of the DJTs followers do - they never ever "get" the truth. Sadly, thats not just on Faux, or Newsmax.
“Expository writing” is actually is writing interesting facts about a person, place, or thing. Expository writing presents readers with important research and information about a topic. Expository writing gives facts and information about a topic. This is why the introduction of “develop a narrative” was so devastating to facts. It was the birth of “alternative truths” in my opinion!
I just read an article about First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Former FL Melania. I think the writer employed the use of expository writing as you have defined it here. The article was about how the two first ladies experienced their bouts with COVID, highlighting that Dr. Biden had benefit of the vaccine while Melania did not. Anyway, it was a refreshing read void of opinion.
Thank you all for the kind comments, but in all honesty, I had a great teacher! I was very fortunate to have her class. She also sponsored the school newspaper and one class was to write a "letter to the editor" of the paper. A number of them were published. Who knew that parents read the school newspaper and my letter about the smoking in the bathrooms would cause a kerfuffle with the PTA calling the administrators!! (Ah, first sweet taste of the power of the pen!)
Can you just imagine if this was being taught today? Would certain subjects be off limits?
good questions, Miselle. seems like there oughta be some version of this lesson that could be taught today without getting into trouble. for sure some subjects would be off limits... however, it might matter how they were approached. bet there are ways to teach the principles she taught you without creating trouble.
what if it were taught using subjects that aren't considered controversial.. like sports or arts or food or fashion or film or hiking or gardening or travel or retirement, yadda, yadda. maybe? might take a little longer to find different perspectives on same topic for comparison. the basic concepts she taught would still be there.
isn't it shocking to first experience how influential your writing can be? so empowering for you as a high school student!! what a treasure of a teacher!! she was brilliant.
I tried to like this but it didn’t work. I think you have made so clearly exactly what needs to be said! I agree about Obama, I also think of him with great regard but he was almost too cerebral.
I wish I had had your journalism class in my HS. Thanks for you insight!
Miselle, both parts of your comment are so interesting. The first part informed my understanding of how different papers write a column. Thank you! The second part is what I was trying to convey in my post above. Your assessment about the two speakers, IMO, is so accurate. Again, thank you!
what a great course, Miselle!! thank you so much for sharing how it was taught and what you learned from it. good insights that would be valuable for most students to learn.
About 50 years ago, I took a Journalism class in HS. This was the first time to my recollection that I gave any recognition to political parties and that they were different. Using the Chgo Tribune and SunTimes, we learned that the Chicago Tribune was a Republican paper and the Chicago Sun-Times was a Democratic paper. I also learned that the format of the paper was geared to the reader: ie, the SunTimes was a magazine format that was easier to read on the bus, train, or at the diner. The Trib was the longer traditional format that could be spread on a large desk or at a large dining room table.
I was also taught that the reading level of the Trib was 8th grade, and the SunTimes was 5th grade. We studied identical stories in each paper, comparing sentence structure, paragraph lengths, vocabulary used.
(I became a newspaper reader, and a huge fan of Mike Royko. It was huge news when he jumped ship to the Trib.)
I comment on this because while I am a big Obama fan, I did sometimes think he was speaking above the level of the masses, although sincerity and message came through. Tfg seems to communicate at about 2nd grade reading comprehension, this in itself is telling as (IMHO) there is such a gap between the traditional GOP and the Trumpers!!
I have great hope for Biden's speech tomorrow. Those on the right like to complain that he speaks too slowly (ignoring his remarkable accomplishment over stuttering). In my view, I hear tfg yell out a few words, pause, repeat and wait for applause and think to myself "do they really think he is communicating better than Biden?!?" While Biden will often refer to the struggles his father went through, tfg whine on about "poor me" endlessly. If ONLY the more moderate GOP and all Independents would listen, they might find that Biden is accomplishing exactly what we all want, a better America. (although the GOP only seem to want it for some Americans)
Yes, and in the late 1980s, I took a class in expository writing. There, I learned that the new style for journalism had become “build the narrative”. This literally meant that fiction could become the new reality. When I questioned the professor (senior level class) how a reader could understand the facts of a story, he looked at me rather sadly and said: “that is the problem, and I don’t know the answer”. Now, 40 years later, we can all see — not only where that school of thought went, but what it’s tenets led to.
Wow, Patricia. This explains a lot about what happened to journalism in the last 40+ years. Thank you!
Be sure and look at my clarification note above. “Expository writing is the writing of facts rather than conjecture. Back in the WWII era, this tactic was known as “Double talk”.
A good book for background info on facts vs. Propaganda: "Doublespeak". ... Ed by M.Feldman and Paul Javkson.
valuable to know about, Patricia! getting this background is always helpful (at least to me). when we're dealing with media presenting 'info' that just seems ridiculous or out-of-whack ... i used to think it's just my inability to sort it out. only in the relatively recent past have i finally recognized these tactics... are deliberately intended to confuse and obfuscate. thank you for 'exposing' the expository style of journalism.
One example - maybe a simple one - is the difference between what the headline shouts out (!) and what the facts (hopefully) of the story are. Sometimes complete opposites. If someone only looks at the headline without reading the story - as I believe many of the DJTs followers do - they never ever "get" the truth. Sadly, thats not just on Faux, or Newsmax.
Most of them do those sources!
Agree, Maggie. I would get drawn in by the headline, only to be pointed in another direction once the story unfolds.
oh yes... didn't even think of that. such a part of the process now. think i used to notice and now i usually don't... not a good sign.
“Expository writing” is actually is writing interesting facts about a person, place, or thing. Expository writing presents readers with important research and information about a topic. Expository writing gives facts and information about a topic. This is why the introduction of “develop a narrative” was so devastating to facts. It was the birth of “alternative truths” in my opinion!
I just read an article about First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Former FL Melania. I think the writer employed the use of expository writing as you have defined it here. The article was about how the two first ladies experienced their bouts with COVID, highlighting that Dr. Biden had benefit of the vaccine while Melania did not. Anyway, it was a refreshing read void of opinion.
okay, thanks for this, too, Patricia. that's what i thought 'expository writing' is supposed to be ... and then thought i was mistaken. (tired)
goodness yes! beginning of Kellyanne's "alternative truths" ... yep!
Agree, Suz. I blamed myself for being confused.
we do it too often
Good point
😔
Thank you all for the kind comments, but in all honesty, I had a great teacher! I was very fortunate to have her class. She also sponsored the school newspaper and one class was to write a "letter to the editor" of the paper. A number of them were published. Who knew that parents read the school newspaper and my letter about the smoking in the bathrooms would cause a kerfuffle with the PTA calling the administrators!! (Ah, first sweet taste of the power of the pen!)
Can you just imagine if this was being taught today? Would certain subjects be off limits?
Kudos to your great teacher, Miselle. Kudos to you for passing her teachings on to us!
good questions, Miselle. seems like there oughta be some version of this lesson that could be taught today without getting into trouble. for sure some subjects would be off limits... however, it might matter how they were approached. bet there are ways to teach the principles she taught you without creating trouble.
what if it were taught using subjects that aren't considered controversial.. like sports or arts or food or fashion or film or hiking or gardening or travel or retirement, yadda, yadda. maybe? might take a little longer to find different perspectives on same topic for comparison. the basic concepts she taught would still be there.
isn't it shocking to first experience how influential your writing can be? so empowering for you as a high school student!! what a treasure of a teacher!! she was brilliant.
I tried to like this but it didn’t work. I think you have made so clearly exactly what needs to be said! I agree about Obama, I also think of him with great regard but he was almost too cerebral.
I wish I had had your journalism class in my HS. Thanks for you insight!
Miselle, both parts of your comment are so interesting. The first part informed my understanding of how different papers write a column. Thank you! The second part is what I was trying to convey in my post above. Your assessment about the two speakers, IMO, is so accurate. Again, thank you!
what a great course, Miselle!! thank you so much for sharing how it was taught and what you learned from it. good insights that would be valuable for most students to learn.
Miselle. Thanks for the analysis of the two papers. Interesting for sure.
I was just guessing and it is likely that Dr Richardsons writing in the last half is above fifth grade.
I just meant it is crisp, clear and amenable to most literate adults and youth …
Even Republicans.
😊😊
Amen!
What a wonderful comment and story. I too was a Royko fan. Second grade? You give the Magats too much credit. Try “ come,sit,heel”