You can use dedicated sites such as ANZ-Newsstream, or you can do a web search • ANZ Newsstream link • Web search suggested news platforms: News.com.au TheConversation smh.com.au ABC.net.au

Research and select two credible news articles on the topic provided to you by the lecturer. Evaluate each article in terms of the writer’s assumptions, values, and attitudes towards the issue.

Topic will be announced via student forum in week 3 of the semester

Requirements

• Minimum 800 words, maximum 1200 words
• Submission must conform to APA-7 style formatting and referencing
• Must be print or digital news articles, freely accessible to the public
• The articles must focus on the topic provided
• Be sure to state and cite which article you are discussing. A good approach to structure is to state which article you’re focusing on in the first sentence

Advice

• You can use dedicated sites such as ANZ-Newsstream, or you can do a web search
• ANZ Newsstream link
• Web search suggested news platforms:

• News.com.au
• TheConversation
• smh.com.au
• ABC.net.au

Do not repeat or rephrase what is in the article. That is not analysis.

The critical part of this assessment is your ability to analyse the article and discuss your evaluations with evidence. To do this, you are deconstructing the article, much as you would do when reviewing a movie, where you talk about the cinematography, the script, the plot, the actors, and so on.

Limit your own opinions on drug use or laws. For example, if the article is about cannabis legislation, you do not need to give your opinion of whether you think it should be legalized. Your opinion should be only on what the article is trying to do or have you as the reader understand.

Each writer constructs a news article in a particular way, choosing the voices/people and language to have the reader think about the issue in a particular way. Try to see if or how the article gives information as ‘fact,’ or maybe ‘opinion as fact.’ Who do you think the article is written for? Consider the typical readership and the news platform the article is on. What is the intended impact? What is the ‘take-home’ message?

If in any doubt as to the suitability of your articles, email the lecturer the links and they will confirm if appropriate.

Assessment Requirements Summary

The HEBCHT104: AOD Issues – Media Analysis assessment requires students to:

• Research and select two credible news articles related to the topic provided by the lecturer.
• Evaluate each article in terms of the writer’s assumptions, values, and attitudes toward the issue.
• Ensure the analysis is 800–1200 words and formatted according to APA-7 standards.
• Use freely accessible print or digital articles and clearly cite which article is being discussed in the first sentence.
• Focus on analyzing the articles rather than expressing personal opinions on the topic itself.
• Consider how the article constructs meaning, such as whether it presents fact vs opinion, its intended audience, and its overall take-home message.

Key Pointers to Cover in the Assessment

• Identify assumptions, values, and perspectives embedded in each article.
• Assess language, tone, and choice of sources within the article.
• Consider the readership and platform of publication.
• Highlight any bias or framing techniques used.
• Present evidence from the article to support your evaluation.
• Keep personal opinions separate from the article analysis.

Step-by-Step Academic Mentor Guidance

1. Article Selection: Mentor guided the student to identify two credible news sources from recommended platforms such as News.com.au, The Conversation, SMH, or ABC.
2. Initial Reading: The student read each article carefully, noting the key points, perspectives, and language used.
3. Analysis Framework: Mentor suggested breaking down each article like a movie review, examining structure, tone, choice of sources, and messaging.
4. Evaluating Assumptions & Bias: The student identified underlying assumptions, biases, or framing techniques and considered the intended audience.
5. Evidence Support: The mentor emphasized using direct quotes or examples from the articles to support evaluations.
6. APA Referencing: Guidance was provided to correctly cite articles in APA-7 format, ensuring in-text citations and reference list were accurate.
7. Drafting & Structuring: The student structured the assessment with an introduction, body (evaluation of each article), and conclusion summarizing insights.
8. Review & Feedback: Mentor reviewed drafts to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with assessment objectives.

Final Outcome

• Student produced a critical, evidence-based analysis of two news articles within the word limit.
• Successfully identified assumptions, values, and intended messages of the writers.
• Maintained an objective, analytical perspective without personal bias.
• Submitted a well-structured, APA-compliant assessment meeting all learning outcomes.

Learning Objectives Covered

• Identifying and evaluating social processes and institutional influences in contemporary issues.
• Applying sociological understanding to critically analyse media sources.
• Demonstrating academic reading, writing, and referencing skills at a university standard.

This summary outlines both the assessment requirements and how step-by-step guidance led to a successful outcome.

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