+ Libel and Bias

+ Using the Wrong Tools Libel and Bias are two tools that are sometimes used in writing that mislead the reader. They are tools that shouldn’t be used and writers can be in BIG trouble for using them. They are a lot like chewing gum at school. Writers aren’t always caught, but it still isn’t allowed.

+ Libel *Based on the picture, what do you think libel means?

+ Libel Libel: A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation. Slander is a verbal false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation.

+ Georgia Teen Sues Two Classmates for Facebook Libel After reading article, turn to a partner and answer these two questions on scrap paper: Explain why this would be considered libel? How was this girls reputation “defamed?”

+ Libel More examples of libel: Examples: If the trial is still in process, the writer may say, “O.J. Simpson allegedly killed two people.” Only AFTER the trial has ended with a final judgment can the writer say, “O.J. Simpson is guilty of killing two people. If the interviewee said, “I accidentally ran over a skunk once,” but the article reports that he is a skunk tormentor, the writing is libelous. If the source that the writer consulted in forming his opinion reads, “People with brown hair cry more often than those with blonde hair,” but the writer reported that “People with brown hair are generally depressed,” the writer may be accused of libel.

+ BIAS: *Based on the pictures below and previous knowledge, what do you think bias means?

+ Bias A feeling or preference against something for unjust or silly reasons.

+ Bias Examples of bias: People named Sally are juvenile and immature. It’s okay to abuse animals with stripes, but not spotted animals. She’s at the top of her class in school, therefore she’s a geek.

+ Libel and Bias Foldable Activity (20 pts) Libel: your own definition and an illustrated example Slander: your own definition and an illustrated example Bias: your own definition and an illustrated example

+ Sources: What are sources in writing? Why do we need them?

+ Ways you CAN use sources: Quote directly from a source Paraphrase a source Use a source as background material to build up your own ideas AS LONG AS YOU CITE THEM!

+ Ways you CAN’T use Sources Plagiarism presenting another person’s language or ideas as your own.

+ Ways you CAN’T use Sources Global Plagiarism: stealing an entire speech or piece of writing from a single source and passing it off as your own. Incremental Plagiarism: failing to give credit for individual parts of a speech or piece of writing from a single source and passing them off as your own. Patchwork Plagiarism: stealing ideas or language from two or more sources and passing them off as your own. Incorrect paraphrasing: restating or summarizing an author’s ideas in your own words without citing. PARAPHRASING STILL REQUIRES CITATION!