Serial Questions:
The seven questions from the worksheet are written below.
1. The first episode begins with information about the podcast's sponsor. Like many types
of media, podcast creators make money by selling advertising space. Podcast creators
have to think carefully about who they sell advertising space—or in this case, time—to
because it can affect the way the listener responds to the rest of the text. Who were the
sponsors mentioned at the beginning of the podcast and what are they selling? (You may
have to do a bit of research in order to find out who the sponsors are and what they do)
What predictions can you make about the nature of the podcast based on the advertisers?
2. The episode opens with a recording and music. Describe the recording and the music.
Each episode opens with this recording and music. What kind of tone do they set for the
podcast? In addition to creating atmosphere, what purpose does the music serve?
3. Describe the narrator's style of talking. Is she very formal or informal? Provide an
example to support your answer. How does her tone affect the way you respond to the
content?
4. The narrator, Sarah Koenig, is not the only person you hear speak in the podcast. When
does she include other voices and why do you think she might do this? What affect does
it have on the narrative and listener's responses to hear more than one voice?
5. At the center of this podcast is the question of Adnan Syed's guilt. Does Sarah Koenig
reveal any bias for or against Syed in this episode? How can you tell?
6. Based on this episode alone, if you had to rule on Syed's guilt or innocence, what would
your conclusion be? On what would you base this conclusion?
7. How is this medium (the podcast) like other forms of media you've experienced before
(e.g., television, movies, blogs, books)? How is it different?
Blog Post:
In your blog, write a post in which you outline your personal response to the podcast episode.
Use some of the following questions to guide your response but do not write your post as a series
of answers to questions. If you would like to post your response as an audio or video post, you
are encouraged to do so.
1. Did you like the podcast? Why or why not?
2. What do you think of the idea of presenting investigative journalism in this format?
3. How do you think the victim's family might feel about the fact that Serial has become
such a popular podcast?
4. Do you like listening to a text like this or would you prefer reading? What are the
benefits/drawbacks to each?
5. Koenig opens the podcast by discussing the challenges of memory. How well do you
think you would be able to remember the events of a given day? What issues or concerns
does this raise for you about the rest of the podcast?
After posting, please comment on at least two other blog posts. Remember the criteria for an
effective blog post and comment:
Effective Blog Post Checklist
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