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Monday, February 20, 2012

New York Times Reading Log - 1 (2/20/2012)


New York Times Reading Log – Entry #1

            Elisabeth Bumiller’s article “Iran Raid Seen as a Huge Task For Israeli Jets” is, to me, the epitome of interesting, well-executed journalism.   I found this article to be enlightening, but entertaining to read at the same time.  Within the first paragraph, Bumiller skillfully walks the line between a simple summary lead, and the more artful delayed lead.  I found this interesting, especially given our discussion and in class activities regarding the difference between the two lead styles today in class.

            Bumiller’s lead is closer to the style of a summary lead, as she doesn’t seem to really be trying to delay the article’s ultimate point, rather she is laying the basic facts out on the table to begin with just as any good summary lead should do.  However, she composes the lead with a fast paced, exciting opening sentence, that tells the reader the Five W’s that are so vital to any article, without coming across as a simple, formulaic summary lead. 

            From the lead alone, the reader can tell just how impossible it would be for Israel to pull off an aerial attack on Iran with their modest military presence in the air.  The remainder of the article remains interesting and compelling, providing a great deal of insight, including meaningful quotes from U.S. military intelligence.  The article even provided a map with possible airstrikes plotted out that Israel could use, should they decide to make such an attack.  This helped me to understand the situation in a much more tangible way.

            I found this article to be engaging and an all around good read.  

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