NYT op-Ed articles (Assignment #2)

Assignment #2 Analyzing NYT Articles

1. Another Boom Year- Gail Collins

The first thing I notice about about Collin's piece is that she instantly pulls readers in with an off the wall lead. It's not boring or typical, and as a reader it makes me want to continue reading. The second thing that gets my attention is her use of humor in the second paragraph. Collins writes a lot of political pieces so by acting like she is going to start another similar piece in a joking way, it makes her likable as a writer. It shows her personality within her writing.

As the piece progresses, it is written in a style that keeps the reader intrigued, but is also filled with factual information. Instead of just naming fact after fact, Collins presents them in a fresh and interesting way. Collins attributes creditable websites and organizations within her piece, while still letting her personality shine through. In her final paragraph, she directly addresses the people in which she believes should hear what she has to say, scientists. It's a version of a call to action, but about something that doesn't technically need to be done, just what she feels.

Throughout the article, it is very obvious that the writer has done research to enhance her article. She cites sources and topics that are relevant to the piece.

2. Going Home Again- David Brooks

Brooks' lead is less attention catching than Collins', but starts a story. Instead of using typical news style, Brooks uses more of a story telling technique. The story proceeds in chronological order after the first paragraph or lead is used to introduce the "main character" of the story. Instead of using humor to keep readers interested throughout, Brooks plays on the readers' emotions.

Brooks' tone is an emotional one as he progresses through the story. There are sad parts and happy ones. It's more of a feel good piece than an informational one. The research conducted in this piece is different from the previous one because there are facts, but not statistical facts. They come straight from the stories of the people involved in the story.

The technique used in the final paragraph is to conclude the story and tie everything together. It also states wheat the "meaning" or "purpose" the reader is supposed to take from the story. Brooks did not include his own personality in this piece.