Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Part I: A brief overview of different text types

Text Type | Purpose | Features | Common Text Structures | Examples
Narrative
Tells a story
Characters, setting, plot, conflict, resolution.
Description
Cause and Effect
Chronology/Sequence
Problem and Solution
Picture books, chapter books, short stories, plays, biography and memoir
Descriptive | Paints a picture with words | Vivid language, sensory details. | Description Compare and Contrast | Essays, poetry
Expository
Explains or informs
Facts, definitions, processes.
Description
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Chronology/Sequence
Problem and Solution
Textbooks, news articles, pictorial informational books
Procedural or Instructional | Provides instructions on how to do something | Step-by-step instructions. | Chronology/Sequence | Recipes, user manuals, building kit instructions, DIY guides
Argumentative or Persuasive
Persuades the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action
Evidence, logic, reasoning.
Description
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Problem and Solution
Essays, editorials, speeches

Erste Frage

Q: What is the primary purpose of writing an article?
- To explore personal feelings and experiences
- To present and discuss current events or topics of interest (correct)
- To create fictional stories for entertainment
- To write a detailed analysis in a formal tone

Erste Frage

Q: Which component is essential for introducing the topic in an article?
- A detailed methodology section
- A list of references
- A compelling hook or lead (correct)
- An abstract summarizing the content

Erste Frage

Q: How does the tone of an article generally differ from that of an academic paper?
- Articles avoid using any form of narrative or storytelling
- Articles always use complex sentence structures
- Articles use a more conversational tone (correct)
- Articles are written in a very formal and technical language

Erste Frage

Q: Why is it important to include subheadings in an article?
- To make the article appear more academic
- To organize the content and make it easier to read (correct)
- To provide a summary at the beginning of each section
- To increase the word count

Erste Frage

Q: What role do interviews and quotes play in an article?
- They provide credibility and support to the information presented (correct)
- They ensure the article stays objective and unbiased
- They make the article more entertaining and humorous
- They are used to fill space and meet word count requirements

Erste Frage

Q: How should an article generally conclude?
- With an unrelated anecdote
- With a summary of key points and a call to action (correct)
- With a personal reflection from the author
- With a detailed list of references used

Erste Frage

Q: Which factor is crucial for maintaining a reader's interest throughout an article?
- Including complex jargon and technical terms
- Writing in a monotone and repetitive style
- Avoiding any use of images or graphics
- Using varied sentence structures and engaging language (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: How can an article differ from a blog post in terms of content?
- Articles are typically shorter than blog posts
- Articles are always less formal than blog posts
- Articles often require more research and fact-checking (correct)
- Articles never include personal opinions

Part II: Understanding the text type

Read the following text and mark the components that are typical of this text type.

Note for teachers: Instead of using this sample text, you can use one that is a better fit for your topic.

Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

In recent years, the proliferation of social media platforms has sparked significant debate regarding their influence on mental health. As millions of users engage daily, the psychological ramifications of this digital interaction have become a subject of intense scrutiny.

The Rise of Social Media Use

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, offering unprecedented access to information and connection. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become integral parts of our daily routines. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, approximately 72% of Americans use some form of social media, with young adults being the most active demographic.

Positive Effects of Social Media

Social media is not without its benefits. It provides a platform for marginalized voices, facilitates global connectivity, and offers support networks for individuals facing various challenges. For instance, mental health advocacy groups have harnessed the power of social media to disseminate information and provide emotional support to those in need. "Social media has allowed us to reach thousands of people who might otherwise feel isolated," says Dr. Emily Johnson, a psychologist specializing in online communities.

Negative Impacts and Concerns

Despite these positive aspects, there are growing concerns about the negative impact of social media on mental health. Research indicates that excessive use can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found a significant correlation between time spent on social media and increased feelings of loneliness and decreased self-esteem. "The constant comparison to others' curated lives can create unrealistic expectations and a sense of inadequacy," explains Dr. Mark Richardson, a clinical psychologist.

Balancing Social Media Use

To mitigate these adverse effects, experts recommend mindful engagement with social media. Setting time limits, curating a positive feed, and engaging in offline activities can help maintain a healthy balance. Additionally, platforms themselves have started to implement features aimed at promoting well-being, such as Instagram's effort to hide likes on posts to reduce social pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while social media presents valuable opportunities for connection and support, it also poses significant risks to mental health. By approaching social media use with awareness and intention, individuals can harness its benefits while minimizing its potential harm. As this digital landscape continues to evolve, ongoing research and dialogue will be essential in understanding and addressing the complex relationship between social media and mental health.

Q: Clarity: Is the main argument of the text explicitly stated and easy to identify?
A: The main argument is that social media has both positive and negative impacts on mental health.
  Hint: The main argument is that social media has both positive and negative impacts on mental health.

Q: Engagement: Does the article maintain reader interest through the entirety of the text?
A: The article captures and maintains interest by presenting balanced viewpoints and incorporating statistics and expert opinions.
  Hint: The article captures and maintains interest by presenting balanced viewpoints and incorporating statistics and expert opinions.

Q: Evidence & Examples: Are the claims made in the article supported by recent studies and expert opinions?
A: Yes, the article references a 2022 report by DataReportal, a 2018 study from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, and insights from experts like Dr. Jane Smith and John Doe.
  Hint: Yes, the article references a 2022 report by DataReportal, a 2018 study from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, and insights from experts like Dr. Jane Smith and John Doe.

Q: Structure & Organization: Is the text well-organized with a logical flow from one section to the next?
A: The text is well-organized, beginning with the rise of social media, followed by its positive aspects, negative impacts, expert opinions, and concluding with a summary.
  Hint: The text is well-organized, beginning with the rise of social media, followed by its positive aspects, negative impacts, expert opinions, and concluding with a summary.

Q: Relevance: Are the points discussed in the article relevant to the topic of social media's impact on mental health?
A: The points discussed, such as enhanced connectivity, educational resources, anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, are all highly relevant to the topic.
  Hint: The points discussed, such as enhanced connectivity, educational resources, anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, are all highly relevant to the topic.

Q: Balance: Does the article provide a balanced perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage?
A: The article provides a balanced perspective by discussing both the positive aspects (enhanced connectivity, educational resources) and the negative impacts (anxiety, depression, cyberbullying) of social media.
  Hint: The article provides a balanced perspective by discussing both the positive aspects (enhanced connectivity, educational resources) and the negative impacts (anxiety, depression, cyberbullying) of social media.

Q: Tone & Style: Is the tone of the article formal and appropriate for an academic audience?
A: The tone is formal and appropriate for an academic audience, using clear and precise language to convey its points.
  Hint: The tone is formal and appropriate for an academic audience, using clear and precise language to convey its points.

Q: Call to Action: Does the article encourage readers to take specific actions or adopt certain behaviors regarding social media usage?
A: The article encourages readers to adopt a balanced approach to social media usage and to remain informed and critical of their digital habits.
  Hint: The article encourages readers to adopt a balanced approach to social media usage and to remain informed and critical of their digital habits.

Q: Explain how the author presents the duality of social media's impact on mental health.
A: The author explores the duality of social media by highlighting both its positive aspects, such as enhanced connectivity and access to educational resources, and its negative impacts, including increased anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. This balanced approach provides a comprehensive view of social media's influence on mental health.

Q: Analyze the role of expert opinions in the article.
A: Expert opinions play a crucial role in the article by offering authoritative insights and recommendations. The psychologist emphasizes mindful social media consumption and digital detoxes, while the tech ethics researcher advocates for the implementation of features promoting healthier usage patterns. These expert viewpoints add depth and credibility to the discussion.

Q: Evaluate the effectiveness of the examples used to illustrate the negative impacts of social media.
A: The examples used to illustrate the negative impacts of social media, such as the study linking social media use to anxiety and depression and the statistics on cyberbullying, are effective in highlighting the severity and prevalence of these issues. These concrete examples help readers understand the real-world implications of social media on mental health.

Q: Analyze the author's conclusion and its call to action.
A: The author's conclusion effectively summarizes the dual nature of social media and emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to its usage. The call to action encourages readers to stay informed and critical of their digital habits, advocating for a proactive stance in managing social media's impact on mental well-being. This wraps up the discussion with a practical and empowering message.

Part III: Writing your own text

Assignment: Writing an Informative Article

Objective

To guide you through the process of writing an informative article, focusing on clear communication, organization, and engagement. You will choose one of the provided topics and develop a well-researched article.

Steps and Guidance

Step 1: Choose a Topic

Select one of the following topics for your article:

1. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
2. Renewable Energy: The Future of Sustainable Power
3. The Role of Technology in Modern Education

Step 2: Conduct Research

- Gather Information: Use credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
- Take Notes: Record key points, statistics, and quotes that will support your article.

Step 3: Create an Outline

- Introduction:
  - Develop a compelling hook or lead to grab the reader's attention.
  - Introduce the topic and provide some background information.
- Body:
  - Divide the content into subheadings to organize your information clearly.
  - Present your main points, supported by evidence from your research.
  - Include interviews or quotes where relevant to add credibility.
- Conclusion:
  - Summarize the key points discussed in the article.
  - Offer a call to action or a final thought to leave an impact on the reader.

Step 4: Write the First Draft

- Introduction: Write your introduction, ensuring it is engaging and informative.
- Body Paragraphs: Develop each section under the subheadings, ensuring a logical flow of information.
- Conclusion: Write your conclusion, summarizing the main points and providing a final insight or call to action.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

- Review Content: Ensure that all information is accurate and well-organized.
- Check Clarity: Make sure your language is clear and your tone is appropriate for the audience.
- Proofread: Correct any grammatical errors and improve sentence structures for better readability.

Step 6: Finalize Your Article

- Format: Ensure your article is formatted neatly with appropriate subheadings.
- Cite Sources: Include a list of references for all the sources you used.
- Submit: Prepare your final draft for submission.

Topics to Choose From

1. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health:
  - Explore the positive and negative effects of social media on mental health.
  - Discuss studies, expert opinions, and real-life examples.
2. Renewable Energy: The Future of Sustainable Power:
  - Examine different types of renewable energy sources and their benefits.
  - Discuss the potential of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprint.
3. The Role of Technology in Modern Education:
  - Analyze how technology has transformed teaching and learning processes.
  - Consider both the advantages and challenges of integrating technology in education.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a well-structured and informative article on your chosen topic.