Writing Assignment Prompt Instructions

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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:

In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney

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 infer 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.)

Structure Chart:
Paragraphs should follow this basic structure.
1-Introductory Sentence
2-Evidence #1
3-Analysis #1
4-Evidence #2
5-Analysis #2
6-Concluding Sentence

Remember to use appropriate transitions and adhere to conventions of formal writing. Avoid using second person pronouns like “you” and “your.”

1 answer

Certainly! Here's a guide on how to fill out the graphic organizer based on the given prompt. You can use the content provided as a basis to develop your own responses.

Graphic Organizer for Response

Introductory Sentence:
In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney, the harrowing case of Kitty Genovese's murder reveals significant insights into human nature and the bystander effect during conflicts, while also shedding light on the media's portrayal of tragic events.

Thesis Statement:
The Kitty Genovese case exemplifies the bystander effect, illustrating how individuals often fail to intervene in emergencies, and underscores the responsibility of the media in shaping public perception of tragedies.

Evidence #1:
The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon wherein individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. Kitty Genovese's murder highlighted this effect; despite numerous witnesses hearing her cries, no one intervened. The accompanying video elaborates on this issue by showing real-life scenarios and experiments that reinforce this behavior.

Evidence #2:
According to McBirney, the media often exaggerates aspects of tragedies to capture attention, which can lead to misconceptions. The article states, "The story of Genovese’s murder became a media sensation, primarily focusing on the callousness of the witnesses rather than the complex realities surrounding the incident."

Analysis #1:
This quote illustrates that in the presence of others, witnesses may feel a diffusion of responsibility, leading them to believe that someone else will step in to help. This behavior reveals a troubling aspect of human nature, wherein individuals prioritize their safety over altruism.

Analysis #2:
McBirney’s commentary on media portrayal highlights how sensationalized reporting can distort reality. By framing the case in a particular light, the media influences public perception, often neglecting the underlying factors that contribute to such tragedies.

Concluding Statement:
Ultimately, the response to Kitty Genovese's murder serves as a crucial lesson on the bystander effect and reminds us that tragedies influence societal behavior and media narratives, highlighting the need for critical examination of how we respond to crises.

Put it all together:

In the article "The Kitty Genovese Murder: What Really Happened” by Jessica McBirney, the harrowing case of Kitty Genovese's murder reveals significant insights into human nature and the bystander effect during conflicts, while also shedding light on the media's portrayal of tragic events. The Kitty Genovese case exemplifies the bystander effect, illustrating how individuals often fail to intervene in emergencies, and underscores the responsibility of the media in shaping public perception of tragedies. The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon wherein individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. Kitty Genovese's murder highlighted this effect; despite numerous witnesses hearing her cries, no one intervened. The accompanying video elaborates on this issue by showing real-life scenarios and experiments that reinforce this behavior. This quote illustrates that in the presence of others, witnesses may feel a diffusion of responsibility, leading them to believe that someone else will step in to help. This behavior reveals a troubling aspect of human nature, wherein individuals prioritize their safety over altruism. According to McBirney, the media often exaggerates aspects of tragedies to capture attention, which can lead to misconceptions. The article states, "The story of Genovese’s murder became a media sensation, primarily focusing on the callousness of the witnesses rather than the complex realities surrounding the incident." McBirney’s commentary on media portrayal highlights how sensationalized reporting can distort reality. By framing the case in a particular light, the media influences public perception, often neglecting the underlying factors that contribute to such tragedies. Ultimately, the response to Kitty Genovese's murder serves as a crucial lesson on the bystander effect and reminds us that tragedies influence societal behavior and media narratives, highlighting the need for critical examination of how we respond to crises.

Make sure to revise and customize the content above based on your specific insights and understanding of the article and video!