The Centers for Disease Control
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <<pop: www.cdc.gov>> is a government agency whose mission is to prevent disease. The CDC also shares information from researchers, scientists, and health professionals to promote good public health, and it takes pride in working “24/7” to educate Americans about preventative health and warn them of any threats. The CDC uses several different tools for outreach, including articles, email updates, social media posts, videos, and infographics like the one below. Screen Time vs. Lean Time <<pop: http:/
Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <<embed 16_CDC from \\Fozzie\newmedia\@Drop_Box\Content_English\McWhorter, Successful College Writing, 6e\BIM Files – embed WITH interactive features>>
Download alternative text. <<pop: 16_CDC_Alternative text.pdf>>
Analyzing the Writer’s Technique
After clicking around in Screen Time vs. Lean Time<<pop: 16_CDC from \\Fozzie\newmedia\@Drop_Box\Content_English\McWhorter, Successful College Writing, 6e\BIM Files>>, answer the questions below. Then submit your responses.
21. A comparison-
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Possible Answer: The purpose of Screen Time vs. Lean Time is to persuade parents to make sure their children get enough exercise and don’t spend too much time on “screen time.” As part of the persuasion technique, the CDC breaks each age group graphic into two parts: the amount of time spent in front of a screen and alternative activities or solutions for so much inactivity. The contrast between the inactive and active sides of the screen shows that much more could be accomplished if kids are active. The comparison between age groups also convinces parents to help their kids get more activity because although each age group’s statistics and likes are different, each is similar in its overuse of screen time.
22. Is the infographic organized point-
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Possible Answer: The infographic is organized subject-
Thinking Critically about Comparison and Contrast
After clicking around in Screen Time vs. Lean Time <<pop: 16_CDC from\\Fozzie\newmedia\@Drop_Box\Content_English\McWhorter, Successful College Writing, 6e\BIM Files>>, answer the questions below. Then submit your responses.
23. What do you notice about the activities each age group could be doing? What does this list reveal about each age group, and how does it work toward achieving the purpose of the infographic?
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24. Are there any points of comparison that are omitted that would have made the comparison more balanced for each age group? What other types of sources and information could the CDC have included to makes this infographic more comprehensive?
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Possible Answer: The CDC could have distinguished between what types of entertainment media children and youth are using. Children could be using educational games on tablets, and teenagers could be using computers for homework; not including these details implies that youths are simply being lazy and unproductive. Another possible answer might be that this infographic does not take into account how much activity students are getting at school (in a phys. ed. class or during recess) or in extracurricular activities like sports practice.