Writing #6: Noticing the Differences

Look around you. What are some things you see in Turkey that you'd never see in your passport country? What are some customs or foods that are different? Interview three people about differences they've noticed.

Then, following the format of the "Inquiring Reporter Interview" (see pages 72-73, Introduction to Journalism) write a 350-500 word article. The final article is due by 8:00 a.m., Thursday, 22 October 09.

Note: Since you are writing for "publication," don't be overly critical of either the Turkish culture or other countries. Instead, present the differences to your audience to get them to think and see something new about the world.

Also, wait until you finish writing before you look for or add a photo. Adding a graphic is not necessary, but if you do, always cite your source.

Need some ideas for differences? Here are just a few difference-topics I've written about on my blog:

bakkal
hostess gifts
complimenting (or not)
akbil (and no money at the bank)
bargaining
headscarves
A plastic palm tree
Eating celery roots instead of celery stalks
not hearing church bells (except in Beyoglu)
symbolic (sports) colors
gestures
slippers, not shoes in the house
street vendors
Ramazan drummers and street dogs
burglar bars
Turkish holiday food specialties

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text (c) pjfs 2009.
clipart: miscrosoft.com.