Essay Writing: Beyond "Says"

Sometimes articles are just plain informational, but sometimes the author has a strong opinion they're trying to advance.  When summarizing these articles, we want to move beyond writing "the article/the author says."  We should use opinion words: supports, advocates, endorses, criticizes, opposes, rejects, is a supporter of, is an opponent of.

Create a chart of verbs you can use when the article is for something, against something, or has no opinion.

The article ________________

FOR             AGAINST  NO OPINION

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Read the following article and write a summary using opinion words.

The Dangers of Reality TV

Reality television reinforces several unsound messages that are molding the minds of its young fans. Among the dangerous messages that reality TV sends out are the importance of competition, the value of image over ability, and the obsolescence of education.
Reality television promotes the old belief that competition is the key to success in a capitalist economy. Whether it’s Survivor awarding winners a million dollars or Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire awarding a husband, reality tv shows reinforce the idea that life is nothing but a competition that we continually engage in with each other. In fact, big business abhors competition. There isn’t a business in America that doesn’t want to become a monopoly serving the needs of 100% of consumers. This is why almost every industry in the United States is shrinking due to mergers and acquisitions.

Reality television also sends the message that the key to success is image rather than ability. On many of these shows a contestant who is often considered the most qualified often loses out to another contestant who presents a hipper image. Whether it is a singer on American Idol who has a better voice but is less attractively “packaged” or someone on The Apprentice who is far more competent at what they do but lacks “personality,” the message is that image is more important than substance. Of course, in the world of television, the message is true. After all, who would tune-in week after week to watch a boring yet infinitely qualified-to-win contestant over a contestant who consistently entertains and surprises?

Probably the single most dangerous message these shows send is that education is completely unnecessary to fulfill the American dream. One need only possess the ability to humiliate oneself on national television, or have absolutely no shame whatsoever, and make more money than many college graduates. Why go to school and face the difficulties of learning something when you can just get on Fear Factor, eat bugs, and walk away with a bucket of money?

By categorizing these shows as “reality,” the makers are insidiously suggesting that they are replicating society. In fact, they aren’t replicating society as it is, but rather as those in power want people to believe it is. And if you have to ask why those in power wouldn’t want you to become educated…well…hey, I think Who Wants to Marry an Idol Survivor who Danced with a Skating Celebrity Named Gotti is on.

Adapted from article by Timothy Sexton. Originally posted on Buzzle.com.