Class Work
FYI: This is where we are headed.
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 person who uses the technology.
iv. A personal anecdote.
v. Lines from literature – poem, short story, or novel.
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/ethics
On the post-it, write your name, your topic, and the point intend to make. Post it on the side board.
What interesting historical information did you find? How can you use this information to make your point. What do the experts say about your technology? (Brief discussion.)
Today, we will be working on 1D, II vii, and II vi. In addition, we will find a quotation that supports your message about the topic.
*****************************************************************************
A. Now that you know your topic and how you feel about its use, locate a quotation or two that you might consider using in your essay. This quotation might come from a quotation site, song lyrics, a poem, a book, an article. or an expert on the topic. (10 minute search - be ready to share your quotation(s) and discuss in small groups.) Remember to keep track of your sources. MLA style is required. Post in CANVAS.
B. Looking at art. Today you will be "creating" a mini art gallery. You need to locate a work of art that depicts your chosen technology. As a reminder, these are the questions to consider.
Looking
at Art -
- What is the
title of the work? How does the title help you to understand the message? What
is the message?
- What is the most obvious image in
the work. To where is your eye drawn?
- Look at the colors. Are they
symbolic? Would the message be different if the colors were different?
Explain.
- Research the meanings of the major
colors in the work you selected. How do the meanings relate to the work
and to your topic?
- Study the shading and shadowing.
How do these elements impact the overall message?
Who is the artist? When was the work created? Is
the artist's message about a specific technological wonder? What was going on in the world when the work
was created? Is the art universal - speaks to people of all times and in all
places, or is it limited to the audience for whom it was created?
Keep track of your sources. MLA formatting is required.
Steps:
1. Locate a work of art.
2. Study it and answer the questions.
3. Be ready to share what you found with the class. We are creating a mini art gallery. Your written words will guide you as you explain the work to the class.
4. Post the art and your answers in CANVAS.
5. Have the art showing on your screen. You should be able to talk about the art and the technology without reading your notes. You are the guide!
6. Listen for "sharing" instructions.
C. Conduct a "quick search" and locate statistics related to your technology.
Consider:
- The number of items in use or number of people who use the item.
- The financial costs related to the item - purchase price, monthly charges (if any), amount of electricity required, etc.
- Amount of time taken to use the item.
- Health benefits and/or risks.
- Number of people helped because of the technology.
- Other numbers?
Explain how you can use the numbers to convince the readers that your point of view is correct.
Keep track of your sources. MLA formatting is required.
Post in CANVAS.
D. Learn about using using claims, reasons, and evidence to build your essay.
"Desperately Seeking E-Mail" by Lisa Dreier
Claim:
What is the point of the essay?
|
|
Why?
|
|
Because…
|
Reason:
|
Reason:
|
Reason:
|
Evidence:
A.
B.
C.
|
Evidence:
A.
B.
C.
|
Evidence:
A.
B.
C.
|
Homework: Fill in your Claim/Reasons/Evidence chart - This will serve as the outline for your essay.
