Critical Thinking Paper 3: 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
Include your name, your class and section, and the date at the top of the paper in your heading.
Assessment: The Critical Thinking Paper is worth 7.5% of the final course grade. The instructor will use a rubric to evaluate the papers. Areas of evaluation will include application of course content, task-related skills, and language use.