Online News Article
What did Abby want to achieve with her trip?
She wanted to be the youngest person to solo sail around the world.
How does the author of the essay editorial feel about the decision of Abby’s parents to let her go on the trip?
She thinks they were wrong to risk her life.
Name two things a television interview can provide that a text article cannot.
Information word for word from the people involved. Video clips about the events.
What is the difference between a news article and an essay editorial?
A news article attempts to report all of the facts. An essay editorial usually covers only one opinion.
How long was the trip supposed to take?
Six months
Where was Abby when she was rescued?
In the Indian Ocean
Why did Abby have to leave her boat?
A storm knocked down her mast.
Explain how video clips can “spin” a story.
Video clips can be chosen to show just one side of a story.
Explain the different views of the author of the essay editorial and the person who led the television interview.
The author of the essay editorial was not in favor of the parents’ decision to let Abby go on the trip. The reporter who led the interview seemed to be proud of Abby’s skills and supportive of this decision.
During which year did Abby make the trip?
2010
What argument did the critics make about her trip?
The trip was too dangerous for someone so young.
The writer of the essay editorial has a child. How old was the child when the essay was written?
Five
Who is Harry Smith?
The reporter who led the interview.
If the author of the essay editorial led the television interview, what would she have included in the video clips?
She would have included pictures of the rescue and the danger it involved.
What was the name of Abby’s yacht?
Wild Eyes
What purpose did the author have for writing the news article?
To share information about the trip, rescue, and the debate.
The author of the essay editorial called herself a “naysayer”. What is a “naysayer”?
A “naysayer” is a pessimist. It is someone who worries a lot.
How did Zac feel when he heard Abby was in trouble?
He was concerned about her safety, but felt confident she would have the ability to survive.
How is the author’s purpose of the online news article different than the author’s purpose of the essay editorial?
The author’s purpose of the online news article is to share information about the trip, rescue, and the debate that followed. The purpose of the essay editorial is to provide a negative opinion about the decision of Abby’s parents to let her go on the trip.
Abby was recued by a fishing boat. Which country was the boat from?
France
Before Abby got into trouble, her father was confident that he made the right decision about letting her go. After she got into trouble, did he change his mind? Explain.
No, he did not change his mind. He was relieved that she was safe, but still confident in his decision to let her go.
Why did the author of the essay editorial feel both sad and angry?
She was sad that Abby got into trouble, but angry that her parents let her go on the trip.
Explain how the Television Interview and the Online News Article differ in author’s purpose?
The purpose of the TV interview is to share the family’s feelings in their own words. The purpose of the online news article is to share information about the trip, rescue and the debate that followed.
What do all three of the media reports have in common?
All three reports share information about the trip and the reasons that Abby’s parents let her go.
Name the three countries involved in the rescue.
America, Australia, and France.