Thursday

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, 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! (Some of you may be taking a creative approach. See me if this is the case.)

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

a.       Convince the reader that their 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?   This was the homework last week. What did you discover?

c.       Provide clear evidence to support your point of view. You must have proof from

                                                               i.      At least three experts.

                                                             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

                                                            vi.      Strong statistics from an expert source.

The body of the paper will be several paragraphs in length. Items highlighted in blue were due today and should be posted in MyCompLab

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 This is your homework for today and is due Tuesday. You need to write the conclusion to your essay and post it in MyCompLab. (25 Pts.)

Let's talk about conclusions.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/endings.htm

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/ Pay attention to the "what not to do" tips.

http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html

http://www.asdk12.org/middlelink/la/writing/stepup/writing_conclusion.pdf

Now, let's look at some conclusions. You will be working with a partner or partners to study the concluding paragraphs. All essays are in Wordsmith. Consider the following:

• What techniques are used?
• Is the conclusion effective?
• Do you know what point the author is trying to make?
• Was the author successful in making the point?
• Did the author avoid the "what not to do" issues?

Your group will:

• Read the conclusion to the class
• Share the answers to the questions.
• Explain if the conclusion is effective or not.

1. p. 571
2. p. 578
3. p. 586
4. pp. 592-593
5. p. 599
6. p. 233
7. p. 152 
8. p. 128