October 11, 2016

Class Work

1. Continue with the presentations.

• Take notes and submit after the last presentation.

2. Share what you discovered during the interviews.

• Interview a fellow classmate. Use the same questions. Add to your notes. Remember to ask permission to use the classmate's name and answers in your paper if you decide to use any statements in the essay.

3. You are now ready to write your draft. Let's review the guidelines for the essay again.

Technology – Friend or Foe?

For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider the dangers and advantages of technology. For this essay, you must pick a side. Think of this essay as a debate on paper. You must know what the opposition thinks, but you do not support that point of view.

I.                    Introduction –

a.       Identify the specific technology you will be discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video games, television, apps, photography etc.

b.      Capture the attention of the audience in the normal way with startling statistics, an interesting anecdote, a quotation from an expert, lines from a song or poem, a thought provoking question, etc. In short, make sure that what you say makes the reader want to know more.

c.       In addition, state your thesis – make your point of view clear! –

d.      Use claims, reasons, and evidence to build your case

II.                  The body of the paper will do several things –

a.       Convince the reader that they either need or do not need the technology.

b.      Provide a brief history of the specific technology you plan to discuss. What was life like before its invention? When was it invented? How has it evolved? What is its story?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from at least four of the following:

                                                               i.      At least three experts/sources. You may use the articles studied in class and articles that specifically relate to your chosen technology.

                                                             ii.      A current news source such as a newspaper or magazine article or news cast.

                                                            iii.      An interview with at least one user.

                                                           iv.      A personal anecdote.

                                                             v.      Lines from literature – poem, short story, or novel. “There Will Come Soft Rains”  and “The Veldt” were studied in class. You may use other SciFi literature.

                                                           vi.      A work of art.

                                                          vii.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length.

III.                Conclusion –

Wrap it up for the readers. Leave them with a call to action to either give up or get the gadget you are supporting. Be sure they know why they need or do not need one. Consider:

a.       Convenience

b.      Cost

c.       Safety

d.      Environmental impact

e.      Impact on society

 

4. Claims, reasons, and evidence -

• What is your claim? Is your selected technology a friend or foe? Pick a side - one side only.
• Why is this true? (Develop three reasons.)
• What proof do you have that these reasons are correct? (This is where you prove your point with evidence.

5. Focus on your introduction:

• http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english-center/writing/guide-to-writing-introductions-and-conclusions.html (Samples)
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm (How to)

6. Homework: Submit your introduction on CANVAS by Thursday. In addition to the introduction, submit at least one strong reason why your claim is true and include evidence from two or more sources. We will share these on Thursday. Have a paper copy handy or plan to print one in class when you arrive.

 

Happy Writing!