InstructionEssay 1 :Semiotic Analysis of a Print Advertisement Introduction (1st paragraph) 1. What advertisement has the author chosen to analyze? How well does the author introduce the advertisement to the reader? Where does the ad appear and when? All of this should be clear before the next paragraph. (You should not have to see the ad to have a good sense of what the author is talking about.) 2. What is the author’s thesis? Circle it on the essay. What is the author’s argument about the ad? How does the author signal that he or she will perform a semiotic analysis of the ad? Body: Reasons and Support (body paragraphs) 3. Does the author support the thesis effectively? In other words, does the author argue for the thesis in the essay and not get off track? How does the author support the thesis? 4. How does the author incorporate essays from Signs of Life? What essays does the author use? Is this use effective? Is the author using other outside research as required? Are the essays properly cited? Is the conclusion an effective end to the essay? Overall Impressions. 6. Does the essay make sense overall? Is the organization clear and effective? Is the argument persuasive and interesting to read? Is this an interesting and compelling semiotic analysis of a print ad? 7. What three things did you find worked best about the essay? Be specific. Suggest at least three ways the author might improve the essay. Review the prompt for this essay. Overall, how well is the author fulfilling the goals of the assignment? Explain why you feel this way. Essay 2: Semiotic Analysis of a Print Advertisement Length: 1000-1250 words (+/-50 words). MLA format. The Assignment: Perform a semiotic analysis of a print ad published in a widely viewed newspaper, magazine, or billboard (no web ads, no video). This assignment is asking for an in-depth examination of the signs present in the ad, not a hit job or celebration of the chosen ad. Your goal is to interrogate the advertisement’s use of signs within the larger system of American popular consumer culture. You must incorporate at least two articles from Signs of Life and another piece of outside research (3 sources total, you can have more). Properly cite all sources and include a Works Cited page along with the essay. When writing about a print ad you should consider certain key points within your discussion. Certainly consider the visual aspects of the ad, any text as well as imagery, layout and composition. Another element to pay attention to is context. You can establish context by discussing when and where the ad was published and what the intended audience for the ad. A well executed essay must: 1. Take a strong position on the issue (have a clear thesis). 2. Provide plausible reasons for the position. 3. Use proper MLA style citation of any sources. 4. Remember while your opinion of the ad matters, your goal here is not to declare the ad good or bad Reflection #2: Thinking Critically About Advertising:Look over the readings, discussions, and your essay addressing semiotics and adverstising. What do you takeaway from your analysis of how advertisers try to sell things to Americans? What key terms help you articulate this critique? How does your essay show your understanding of these issues? What tools do you know have and can apply in the future?