Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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. 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.

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

Get busy with your research. By Tuesday, know the history of your item. Paraphrase the information in MyCompLab. Cite your source there as well. (15 pts.) If you had trouble posting, please try again. MyCompLab was not working yesterday or early this morning. You will not be counted as late.

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With the assignment in mind, let's take a look at a sample essay "Has the Internet Killed Privacy" on pp. 536-537 of Wordsmith.

A. Before we begin:

• Do you have an account on a social networking site such as Facebook, Flickr, Linkedin, MySpace, etc? Do you have an account on more than one?
• What can people find out about you by doing a simple Google search?
• Are you worried about identity theft or discovery? Should you be?
• Is there information you think twice about posting?
• Should employers have the right to view your Facebook account?
• What are the advantages of social networking sites?
• What are the dangers?

B. Let's read. You have 10 minutes to read the essay.

C. Let's go over the questions on pp. 441-542. (1-10)

D. In MyCompLab, post your responses to #1 or #2 from p. 542 - Discussing the Essay. This is due on Thursday. (25 pts.)

E. Look at the information highlighted in blue above. You need to write the body of your paper and include the information noted in blue. Remember, you are writing to convince the reader that the item should be either avoided or used. You need proof. Post two or three paragraphs in MyCompLab by Thursday. (25 pts.)