Media focus on negative stories: An Exploration

Structure of the Paper

Topic- Do you think that the media focus too much on negative stories? Are you personally more interested in positive or negative news stories? (Related to Cohen et al. and their overall focus on journalists who have lost their jobs.-) ( the file is attached below) typed double-space, with a cover page. Do feel free to write in the first-person singular. Structure In terms of structure, I like to have a clear sense of where the paper is headed. A good paper has an introduction, a middle and a conclusion. Ideally, the introduction should do three things: 1. attract the reader and give her a desire to read the paper; 2. state in a concise way what the paper is about (a thesis statement is not a bad idea); and 3. outline the paper briefly (what are the main sections of the paper, and what is their order going to be?). You should also clearly structure the body of your paper. I find that the best way to organize ideas is the most obvious one: the structure of your paper should make sense to the reader virtually at a glance. In the conclusion, you should briefly reiterate your key points, restate your position in light of these points, and suggest what, if anything, can be done. In a word, I am the visitor, and you are the guide. Let me know where you are taking me, and what we are going to do on the way. Style In terms of style, what is important to me is clarity. Make it easy for me to understand what you are saying. Unclear prose is like a wall between me and the content of the paper: it is hard for me to appreciate the content if I cannot make out your style. A professor once told me that the best way for someone to improve her style is to read. There are many writers who strive towards clarity in their prose. John Steinbeck comes to mind, working hard to achieve a simple, straightforward style. The paper, furthermore, should be free of typos: do keep in mind your computer’s suggestions on grammar and spelling. Content For me, the content of your paper should be original, well-reasoned and, once again, easy to understand. When I have to read several papers on similar topics, I welcome anything novel or different. You could for instance add a touch of humour to your paper. Also give me the impression that you have given your paper some thought, and that you care about the topic. In addition, the paper should make sense: explain some of the assumptions that underlie your major points, and address some of the objections to these points that might arise. Finally, be concrete by using examples.