Critical Thinking Paper: Compare/Contrast
Write a 600-900 word (2-3 page) paper addressing the following task:
Compare and contrast TWO advertisements based on our in-class discussions of Media Concepts and Persuasion Techniques. This paper must show similarities and differences between the TWO advertisements, NOT just be a summary of them. Additionally, it is important that you focus on the Concepts and Techniques being used and not the products themselves.
How to start this paper:
Choose TWO advertisements for products within a similar group: fashion, beauty products, pet food, restaurants, automobiles, technology… In structuring your essay, use one of the organizational techniques covered in class: either Point-by-Point or Whole-to-Whole (Block organization). Note: At the end of your paper, please include a link to the advertisements if they are available for online viewing; however, be sure to describe them as though they have not been viewed by your reader.
Organization:
Begin your paper with the introduction that gives general background information about the topic and sources.
Include a clear thesis statement/purpose that explains what will be in your paper.
Explain and organize your ideas so they make sense to a reader who has not seen the advertisements or read class texts about media literacy (use compare/ contrast signals to connect ideas).
End your paper with a clear, concise, coherent conclusion.
Explain the following for BOTH of the ads (remember to assume your reader has not seen the ads):
A comparison of the products being sold in both ads
A comparison of the aspects of the products that are being highlighted in both ads
A comparison of the “text” and “subtext” of the ads
A comparison of the “language of persuasion” techniques used in the ads
Note: Remember that the products are not your topic, but rather the Concepts and Techniques that are being used to sell or promote the product.
Format your paper as follows:
Size 12 font
Double-spaced (except for your heading: Name, Date, etc., which should be single-spaced)
1” margins on the left, right, top, and bottom of the page