Dragons den wiz of biz

Media Analysis: Dragons’ Den Wizof.Biz Pitch (5%) Due Week 5 IAT309W Week 4 Writing Assignment

Learning Objectives: This exercise will help you practice • using planning notes to organize a short written argument • organizing and writing a concise thesis-driven piece of persuasive writing (midterm prep) • establishing critical distance using a conceptual frame of reference and third-person voice

In this assignment, you are being asked to analyze the CBC show Dragons’ Den’s Wizof.Biz pitch and to demonstrate your ability to synthesize and communicate an argument. You will take a position on the question below and write a concise persuasive argument defending your position. The paper is due in Week 5.

Question: According to Mike Sharples, “Writers [like designers] are bound by design principles. They specify that, for scientific and factual writing, although we cannot tell the truth we can, and should, do our best to promote understanding” (Messages in Bottles, 165).

Review the 4 types of writing knowledge described by Spector and Damron. Considering their Audience and the Purpose of the pitch, what was the primary reason the Wizof.Biz team was unable to promote understanding? Compose a short argument that supports your claim (thesis) and explains how the team failed to demonstrate subject matter knowledge. Using one of Sharples’ design principles as a frame of reference, conclude your paper with a final recommendation to the team that will improve their ethos in future pitches.

Your response should take the form of a concise argument that (1) demonstrates your thinking about the major ideas presented in the segment and the course materials (T. Spector

& R. Damron, M. Sharples, L. Beason, Logical Fallacies list, Cockcroft & Cockcroft) (2) presents a clear thesis and stance supported by evidence/examples from the episode.

The paper should be 2 pages double-spaced, include an original title, utilize 1” margins, indented paragraph structure, and include in-text citations and a list of references in APA style for the CBC segment and any other sources referred to.

Writing Assignment 2 Assessment Criteria Grade Description

A Overall, response shows clear evidence of critical thinking. Responses are organized and error free--appropriate for a professional audience. Content demonstrates an excellent understanding of the readings and class activities.

B Overall, response for the most part shows evidence of critical thinking. Responses are organized and generally error free. Ideas are developed but writing may contain some notable areas for improvement. Content demonstrates a strong understanding of the readings and class activities.

C Overall, response shows some evidence of critical thinking. Answers contain several areas for improvement with regard to development of ideas, clarity, writing and organization. Overall, content demonstrates an average understanding of the readings and class activities.

D - F Overall, response shows little or no evidence of critical thinking. Responses contain many areas for improvement with regard to development of ideas, clarity, writing and organization. Overall, content demonstrates a below average understanding of the readings and class activities.

Armitage. M (2013). Wizof.Biz. Dragons’ Den. Sony Pictures Television in association with CBC-TV. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/Shows/Dragons'+Den/Pitches/ID/2294087399/