MOVIE: food inc. by Robert Kenner
Explanation:
1. The first paragraph should state the main idea or thesis. What are they trying to say? Why did they make this film? What is the argument they are making? It does not need to be long, but it may take two, three or perhaps four sentences to clearly express the author’s central claim.
2. The second paragraph should show the reasons the author uses to support their main claim in the first paragraph. How do they attempt to convince you of their main point? You may talk about details of the film, but the point is not to relate what happened but to show how they form or support the central argument.
3. The third paragraph should take roughly ½ the page and consist of your assessment about the film. Is the claim of the film correct? What does it get wrong or right? Why? What do you think of the claims? What should be done? Etc.
Things to avoid: Fluff, BS, unneeded sentences – you only have 1 page double spaced, try to make sure every word you have is necessary.
Things to remember:
1. Be aware of counter claims. If you are saying something for which there are counterclaims, recognize them and address them. If there are clear counter examples to something you are saying and you don’t attempt to deal with them that is a sign that you may have not thought hard about the issue. Obviously, we cannot think of all counter claims, but attempt to be aware of them.
2. You do not need to put references, but if you do quote the text, only use short quotes and just put the page number in parenthesis (214).
