Unit 3 Test Part 1: Writing Assignment

Grading Rubric

Writing Assignment Prompt Instructions
Directions- This is a read only document. You must make a copy for yourself to be able to type in the document. Make a copy of this document that you can type in. Click File > Make A Copy and save it to your school Google Drive. Use these instructions if you are not sure how to sign in to your school Google account. Per school policy, all writing assignments must now be completed in a Google Doc or Google Slides. No other formats will be accepted.

FIRST, read the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney.

NEXT, watch this video on the Kitty Genovese murder and the bystander effect.

Once you have read the article AND have watched the video, answer the questions in the writing prompt below.

Prompt:
Based on the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened?” and the video, how did Kitty Genovese's murder shed light on human nature in the event of conflict? What is the bystander effect? In addition, what can we learn about how the media portrays tragedy? Cite evidence from the article AND the video and form your own opinions.

Assignment:
Complete the Graphic Organizer under these instructions, filling in ALL of the boxes. Use the Writer’s Checklist below to make sure you have met the assignment requirements. Submit the link to your completed graphic organizer in the Unit 3 Lesson 13 assessment. Make sure the share settings are set to “Anyone with the link can EDIT.” Use these instructions if you need help with your share settings.

Writer’s Checklist:
I completed all parts of the graphic organizer.
I included the TAG (Title, Author, and Genre) in my introductory sentence..
The thesis (main claim) of my response is clearly stated in the introductory sentence.
I used at least one direct quote from the passage as evidence to support my claims.
I used at least one example from the video as evidence to support my claims.
My analysis clearly explains HOW my evidence supports my claims.
My concluding statement sums up my evidence and explains how the evidence relates to the thesis (main claim).
My response is written in complete sentences.
I used proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
I set the share settings in my Google document to “Anyone with the link can EDIT.”

Resources:
Help Video
How to Access Your School Google Account
How to Set Google Share Settings

Graphic Organizer for Response
Introductory Sentence: Clearly state your thesis (the main claim of your entire response).

Include the Title, Author, and Genre (the type of text) in the first sentence of your introduction. Use this format:

In the <genre> <”title of text”> by <author’s name>,...

For example: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney,... <state your thesis>.
Thesis Statement:

Evidence #1: Explain the bystander effect. How did Kitty Genovese's murder shed light on human nature in the event of conflict? Use an example from the video as support.
Evidence #2: According to the reading passage, what can we learn about how the media portrays tragedy? Use a direct quote from the article as support.




Analysis #1: In 1-2 sentences of original thought, explain how the quote from the passage shows how humans react in the face of conflict.
Analysis #2: In 1-2 sentences of original thought, explain how the quote from the article shows what people can learn about the media and how they portray tragedy.

Concluding Statement: Tie it all up with a statement about how tragedy affects people and what we can learn from how people respond when tragedies occur.

Put it all together: Copy and paste all your sentences in the box below to see your entire paragraph. See the “Structure Chart” under this graphic organizer if needed. Proofread your work and make necessary revisions before submitting your work.
(This box will enlarge as you type if you need more room.)

1 answer

Graphic Organizer for Response

Introductory Sentence: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney, the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese ignites a critical examination of human behavior in crises and highlights the troubling bystander effect.

Thesis Statement: The circumstances surrounding Kitty Genovese's death reveal the bystander effect's influence on human nature during conflicts, as well as the media's role in shaping public perception of tragedies.

Evidence #1: The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. According to the video, many witnesses to Genovese’s attack assumed someone else would intervene, leading to inaction.

Evidence #2: According to the reading passage, media portrayals often sensationalize tragedies, which can distort the public's understanding. As McBirney states, “The story of Kitty Genovese became a cautionary tale, a lens through which society viewed apathy and moral failure.”

Analysis #1: The quote from the passage illustrates that when faced with conflict, people may rely on their peers to take action, leading to a collective passivity that can have dire consequences for those in need.

Analysis #2: This quote reveals that media narratives often simplify complex realities into digestible tales, influencing society’s perception of individuals involved in tragedies and potentially perpetuating a culture of blame.

Concluding Statement: Ultimately, Kitty Genovese’s murder serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of human behavior in times of crisis and underscores the importance of understanding both the psychological factors at play and the media's portrayal of such events.

Put it all together: In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney, the tragic murder of Kitty Genovese ignites a critical examination of human behavior in crises and highlights the troubling bystander effect. The circumstances surrounding Kitty Genovese's death reveal the bystander effect's influence on human nature during conflicts, as well as the media's role in shaping public perception of tragedies. The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. According to the video, many witnesses to Genovese’s attack assumed someone else would intervene, leading to inaction. According to the reading passage, media portrayals often sensationalize tragedies, which can distort the public's understanding. As McBirney states, “The story of Kitty Genovese became a cautionary tale, a lens through which society viewed apathy and moral failure.” The quote from the passage illustrates that when faced with conflict, people may rely on their peers to take action, leading to a collective passivity that can have dire consequences for those in need. This quote reveals that media narratives often simplify complex realities into digestible tales, influencing society’s perception of individuals involved in tragedies and potentially perpetuating a culture of blame. Ultimately, Kitty Genovese’s murder serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of human behavior in times of crisis and underscores the importance of understanding both the psychological factors at play and the media's portrayal of such events.


Make sure to review your work for any errors and edit it as needed before submission!