Learning from Other Writers: ASU Athletes Discuss Superstitions

Instructor's Notes

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ASU Athletes Discuss Superstitions

Tiana Chavez

Video

Tiana Chavez interviews athletes from Arizona State University about their pregame superstitions. Watch the video below, and then answer the questions that follow.

View transcript.

The State Press, Arizona State University

Source: https://www.statepress.com/article/2012/03/asu-athletes-discuss-superstitions

Questions to Start You Thinking

Meaning

  1. How does Chavez define superstitions?
  2. What do the athletes imply about their rituals actually enhancing their performances?
  3. What does swimmer Mattie Kukors do to prepare for a meet?

    Writing Strategies

  4. Chavez films most of the athletes at the locations in which they compete, such as the baseball field or the swimming pool. Why might Chavez have chosen to film the athletes at these locations rather than, for example, inside the newspaper’s office?
  5. Many different athletes were interviewed for this video. Did Chavez find a good mix of voices? Were there too many? Too few? What, if anything, was missing for you as a viewer?
  6. What is the purpose of this video? Do you get a sense of Chavez’s views about superstitions? If so, how does she make them clear? If not, how could she have incorporated her opinions? As you answer, you may want to consider editing, narration, and other aspects of videography.