Media Source

Author: Associated Press

Date: March 12, 2006

Title of Article: Mistakes on SAT scores raise questions about testing

Newspaper: Baltimore Sun

Responding to Critical Questions

Author

Who created this message?

The Associated Press created this message.

List the types of jobs of people involved in the construction of the message.

The types of jobs of people involved in the creation of this message were reporters, possibly specializing in educational issues. 

Purpose and Audience
Who is the intended audience for this message?

The intended audience for this message would be a wide range of ages.  This article affects students in high school who are preparing to apply for college, as well as parents who are aiding their children in the difficult college selection process. 

What is the purpose of this message (to inform, to persuade, to entertain, self expression, to teach, to make money)?  Indicate your choice in a complete sentence and explain reasons for your choice.

The purpose of this message is to inform people about the SAT’s and how they are not always completely correct.  The scoring for the tests could have error, and this risk of error may not be tolerable when students’ futures are at stake.  This is an informative article because it is telling people about the grading mistakes of the SAT’s and how some colleges are starting to not require the SAT exam. 

Construction
How were image, language, and sound manipulated in this message?

Language was manipulated in this message by making it clear to the audience that SAT exams do contain some error.  They word the article in a way that almost persuades (although it is informing) the audience on the risks of the SAT exams and how they do not hold true to a students’ true academic capabilities.

What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?

The article uses techniques to attract and hold attention such as including a variety of statistics in the article to back up their points. 

Form
What type of message is this? (Personal narrative -express personal ideas; Informational-define, inform, explain; Persuasive -makes a knowledgeable judgment and supports argument with evidence).  Describe. 

This message combines an informational and persuasive form.  It informs the audience on the fact that there is error in the SAT exam and that some colleges are not going to require it for admission.  The article also takes on a persuasive form when it is showing the statistics on the SAT’s and how they are not a true test of a student’s knowledge. 

Interpretation
How does this message connect with your life experience?

This message directly affects students my age and a bit younger.  I have taken the SAT’s and felt the anxiety that I am sure most students feel because it is true that yes, this test partly decides the next four years of your life.  I as well feel that the SAT’s are not a true test of a student’s qualifications for any school, therefore I do not agree with the exam.  I can connect with this article in the fact that the subject matter is something that I can closely relate to. 

How does this message compare with other media messages you've received?

This message is one that I can relate to because I have been in the position of taking the SAT exam, and I completely understand the position of the article and its arguments. 

Representation
How are stereotypes (or fixed ideas about things, people, or events) evident in this message?

A stereotype is present in the fact that the SAT exam score is the main factor that colleges look for in a students’ college application.

What point of view is represented in this message? (Identify and trace the development of an author’s argument, viewpoint, or perspective)

The author’s point of view does not agree with the SAT exam and the way it is implemented.  The author clearly agrees with the fact that the test poses a risk of missing intelligent students that just don’t test well.  Almost every point in the entire article is against the SAT exam, showing that the author’s view of the exam is clearly a negative one.