Class Work
Today was the day we were supposed to spend time working on the editing of the Technology: Friend or Foe essay. When I checked at 7:00 am, only four of you had submitted the draft. Instead of editing today, let's take a look at the assignment once again, ask questions, and plan how to finish writing by Wednesday. What can I do to help you compose this essay?
1. Let's review the assignment step by step and use a claim, reasons, and evidence. (See handout)
Technology – Friend or Foe?
For this essay, you are writing to convince the opposition. Consider
the dangers and advantages of technology. Consider mental and physical health
along with changes in society. 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 –( Look back at the last blog for links and information about writing effective introductions.)
a.
Identify the specific technology you will be
discussing – cell phone, computer, automobile, dishwasher, microwave, GPS, video
games, 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.
II.
In addition, state your thesis – make your point
of view clear!(What are you trying to prove? Should readers embrace or fear the technology? This is your claim.)
III.
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: (Look at today's handout. Fill in the facts and proof!)
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” was
a homework assignment. 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.
IV.
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
f.
Ethical concerns
Post the draft by 9:00 am on Wednesday - no exceptions.
Moving on . . . We will begin the next unit.
(Handout)
For this assignment, you will walk around campus with a partner and took 10 pictures or created 10 quick sketches. Next, you described what you saw.
Post your descriptions and messages here. Post the pictures if you wish, but they are not required.
Sample:
What I saw: I came across a cactus that was just beginning to bloom. The delicate white flowers and the thorny plant do not seem to belong together. Mother Nature seems to be saying, " Watch out! Don't you dare pluck my flowers. I will 'get you' if you try."
Her message implies that nature has two sides - the delicate which amazes humans with beauty and the strong thorny tools necessary to survive attacks.
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In class activity . . . "Forgive My Guilt" (Handout)
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Quick Write: What experiences have you encountered in nature? Focus on the best or on the worst. You have 15 minutes to discuss the experience in writing. Perhaps you went camping in your youth. Maybe you were stung by a bee and that painful memory lingers. Maybe you almost stepped on a rattle snake! (Class discussion) Whatever it is, tell all about it. (25 points - due today)
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