Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Importance of Choosing the Right Text Type

Different text types are more suitable for specific topics, and finding the right text type is crucial for effectively achieving your objective.

Example: Technical documentation is ideal for detailed instructions, while narratives are better for storytelling.

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Q: You have noticed an increasing number of students at your school are struggling with stress and mental health issues. You want to raise awareness and propose solutions. Write a text in which you explain the causes, effects, and possible solutions to this issue.
- Letter to the principal
- Research paper
- Opinion column (correct)

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Q: Your local community is planning to build a new park, and you want to ensure that it includes features that will benefit families and children. Write a text in which you describe the features you think should be included and explain why they are important.
- Personal blog post
- Diary entry
- Formal proposal (correct)

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Q: You recently read a book that had a significant impact on your outlook on life. You want to share your thoughts and inspire others to read it. Write a text in which you summarize the book, discuss its themes, and explain why it was meaningful to you.
- Memo
- Book review (correct)
- Journal entry

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Q: You have a strong opinion about the use of social media by teenagers and its impact on their social skills. You want to persuade others to limit their use of social media. Write a text in which you present your arguments and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.
- Persuasive essay (correct)
- Technical report
- Short story

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Q: Your city has experienced a significant increase in pollution levels, and you are concerned about the long-term effects on the environment and public health. Write a text in which you describe the current situation, its potential impacts, and propose strategies to address the issue.
- Editorial (correct)
- Opinion column
- Scientific article

These three texts address similar topics. Analyze how the approach matches the text type. Mark text type specific markers in the texts.

Article: Discrimination in Hiring Practices

Unmasking Bias: Discrimination in Hiring Practices

In an era that champions diversity and inclusion, it is disheartening to realize that discrimination in hiring practices continues to plague the job market. Despite the extensive legislative frameworks and corporate diversity initiatives, subtle biases against race, gender, and age persist, leaving many qualified candidates marginalized.

Research conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that job applicants with names that are perceived as African-American receive significantly fewer callbacks than those with names considered to be White, despite having identical resumes. This underscores a deeply ingrained racial bias that affects employment opportunities for African-Americans. Additionally, gender discrimination remains a critical issue, particularly in male-dominated industries such as technology and engineering, where women are often overlooked or undervalued.

Age discrimination is another pervasive issue, particularly in industries that idolize youth and innovation. Older candidates, despite their extensive experience and knowledge, are frequently bypassed in favor of younger, less experienced applicants. This not only undermines the value of experience but also contributes to the socioeconomic challenges faced by older job seekers.

Addressing discrimination in hiring practices requires more than just policies on paper. It necessitates a cultural shift within organizations to recognize and actively combat implicit biases. Training programs that educate hiring managers about unconscious bias, diverse hiring panels, and blind recruitment processes are crucial steps toward creating a truly equitable job market. Only through a collective commitment to fair and unbiased hiring can we pave the way for a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Letter: Addressing Gender Discrimination in STEM

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Dr. Jane Doe
Chairperson, Department of Engineering
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Dr. Doe,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing issue within the Department of Engineering that requires immediate and concerted action: gender discrimination.

As a female student pursuing a degree in engineering, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that women in STEM face daily. Despite our academic achievements and dedication, we are often subjected to stereotypes that question our capabilities and undermine our confidence. This not only affects our academic performance but also our mental well-being and professional aspirations.

The underrepresentation of women in faculty positions further exacerbates this issue, as it limits the availability of role models and mentors who can guide and support female students. It is imperative that we address this gender imbalance by actively recruiting and retaining qualified female faculty members and providing them with the necessary resources to thrive in their roles.

Additionally, I urge the department to implement training programs that educate students and faculty about gender biases and foster a more inclusive environment. Establishing a support network for female students, such as mentorship programs and women in engineering groups, can also play a pivotal role in encouraging and empowering women to pursue and succeed in their STEM careers.

I believe that with your leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion, we can create a department that not only supports but champions the success of women in engineering. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Speech: Combatting Racial Discrimination on Campus

Good evening, esteemed faculty, staff, and fellow students,

Today, I stand before you to address an issue that continues to cast a shadow over our institution: racial discrimination. Despite our progress and efforts to foster an inclusive environment, racial prejudice remains a reality for many students on our campus.

Racial discrimination manifests in various forms, from subtle microaggressions to overt acts of hostility. These experiences not only affect the academic performance of minority students but also their mental health and sense of belonging. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student, regardless of their race or ethnicity, feels safe, respected, and valued.

To combat racial discrimination, we must first acknowledge its existence and understand its impact. This requires open and honest conversations about race and privilege, even when they are uncomfortable. We need to listen to the experiences of our peers and recognize the systemic structures that perpetuate inequality.

Moreover, our institution must take proactive steps to address racial biases. This includes incorporating diversity and anti-racism training into our curriculum, increasing the representation of minority students and faculty, and establishing clear protocols for reporting and addressing incidents of discrimination.

Creating a truly inclusive campus environment is not the responsibility of a few; it is a collective effort that requires the commitment of every member of our community. Let us pledge to stand against racial discrimination, to support one another, and to work together to build a campus where diversity is celebrated and every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Thank you.

Compare the three text types

text type | structure | tone | audience | purpose

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Q: How does the article format impact the presentation of gender discrimination in STEM fields?
- It offers a structured analysis supported by data and research findings. (correct)
- It provides a detailed narrative of personal experiences to evoke empathy.

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Q: In what way does the letter format affect the urgency of addressing racial discrimination on campus?
- By presenting a balanced view of both sides of the argument.
- By using formal language and direct appeals to authority figures. (correct)

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Q: Why might the speech format be effective in discussing age discrimination in the workplace?
- Because it provides detailed statistical data and research findings.
- Because it allows for direct engagement with the audience and the use of rhetorical devices. (correct)

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Q: What is the main advantage of using the article format to discuss systemic barriers in STEM education?
- It can provide a comprehensive overview and context supported by research. (correct)
- It can include visual aids such as charts and graphs.

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Q: How does the letter format personalize the issue of racial discrimination on campus?
- By including anecdotes and personal observations from the writer. (correct)
- By presenting a list of general statistics and data.

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Q: What feature of the speech format helps highlight the real-life impact of age discrimination?
- The inclusion of personal stories and examples like Maria's. (correct)
- The use of formal citations and references.

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Q: Why is the call to action in the letter format particularly effective?
- It provides a neutral overview of potential solutions.
- It directly addresses the recipient and suggests specific steps to take. (correct)

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Q: In what way does the article format's use of data enhance the discussion on gender discrimination in STEM?
- It lends credibility and supports the arguments with factual evidence. (correct)
- It allows for emotional appeals to the reader's sense of justice.

Essay

Q: Compare the article 'Gender Discrimination in STEM Fields' with the letter 'Addressing Racial Discrimination on Campus'. Analyze in detail and include text references to what extent the text type is suitable for the topic, what they have in common, and where they differ. Make sure to provide specific examples from both texts in your analysis.
A: The article 'Gender Discrimination in STEM Fields' and the letter 'Addressing Racial Discrimination on Campus' both tackle issues of discrimination but do so in different formats and contexts. The article is an informative piece that provides a broad overview of gender discrimination in STEM fields. It uses statistics, such as the National Science Foundation's report that women constituted only 28% of the science and engineering workforce in 2020, to highlight the extent of the issue. This text type is suitable for the topic as it allows for a detailed exploration of the systemic barriers and biases that contribute to gender discrimination.

On the other hand, the letter is a personal appeal to the university president to address racial discrimination on campus. It includes personal anecdotes and observations, such as the story of a student whose contributions were dismissed during a group project due to their ethnicity. This format is effective for the topic as it conveys urgency and a call for action, making the issue more relatable and immediate.

Both texts aim to raise awareness and call for change, but they differ in their approach. The article uses a more detached, analytical tone, providing a comprehensive overview of the problem and suggesting broad solutions such as dismantling stereotypes and implementing mentorship programs. In contrast, the letter adopts a more personal and direct tone, outlining specific actions like mandatory diversity training and establishing a reporting system.

In summary, while both the article and the letter address different forms of discrimination and seek to promote inclusivity, they do so through different lenses and with varying degrees of personal engagement. The article's suitability lies in its ability to inform and educate, while the letter's strength is in its emotional appeal and direct call to action.
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