Rewrite for impact
Write a public argument and a neutral notice from the same facts.
Two texts for two readers
As a fictional Bellacqua committee member, write a 300–360-word signed opinion piece for the local paper. Argue either for a conditional trial or for postponement until more evidence arrives. Include the report signature, the committee examination without a vote, the three proposed Thursday evenings, the €900 estimate, both open checks, and eleven favourable versus seven concerned voluntary comments. Use one cleft to foreground an actor or issue and one left dislocation with a correct clitic. Then write a separate 120–150-word neutral library notice for users; remove your personal recommendation while keeping every status limit.
- Opinione: «È la copertura del personale che considero decisiva».· Opinion: “It is staffing coverage that I consider decisive.”
- Il rapporto, lo ha firmato la direttrice.· The report: the director signed it.
- Avviso: «La commissione non ha ancora votato».· Notice: “The committee has not yet voted.”
- Il costo stimato è di novecento euro.· The estimated cost is nine hundred euros.
Show what your revision changes
After both texts, add three short annotations, each naming a construction and its intended effect: topic continuity, contrastive focus, or a neutral frame. Compare the sentence «Elena ha firmato il rapporto» with your marked version and explain what the reader is now invited to notice. Verify that no construction changes “examined” to “approved.” Do not use «solo» or «ben» before €900 or eleven comments without explaining the evaluation it adds. The final submission has two texts and three annotations.
- «Il rapporto, lo ha firmato Elena» mantiene il rapporto come tema.· “The report: Elena signed it” keeps the report as topic.
- «È Elena che...» mette a fuoco chi ha firmato.· “It is Elena who...” focuses the signer.
- «Quanto ai costi...» introduce una cornice neutra.· “As for costs...” introduces a neutral frame.
- «Esaminato» non diventa «approvato» nella riscrittura.· “Examined” does not become “approved” in the rewrite.