Assignment Two: Entering a Conversation

Length: 4 pages

In this assignment you’ll be moving past one point of view and entering a conversation. Choose one of the pairs of essays below. Summarize both of the essays and point out how they agree and disagree. Finally, craft your own response to the issue. You might agree with one and disagree with the other, or agree partially with one or both, but with a different, or you might disagree with both and offer a completely new perspective. In your own response, make sure that you include a “naysayer;” acknowledge a possible objection to your own argument. Also, make sure you address the “so what?” factor: why does this issue matter?

Essay pairs:Nicholas Carr, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” [p. 313]Clive Thompson, “Smarter than You Think: How Technology is Changing Our Minds for the Better” [p. 340]

Nicholas Carr, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” [p. 313]Kevin Kelly, “Better than Human: Why Robots Will—and Must—Take Our Jobs” [p. 299]

Sherry Turkle, “No Need to Call” [p. 373]Michaela Cullington, “Does Texting Affect Writing?” [p. 361]

Sherry Turkle, “No Need to Call” [p. 373]Jenna Wortham, “I Had a Nice Time with You Tonight. On the App” [p. 393]

In the paper you must have at least two examples of the following: A direct quote, properly integrated and cited A paraphrase, properly integrated and cited

Important Dates: 10/9: Bring a draft to work on in class. Again, a draft can mean lots of things, including,

but not limited to the following: full drafts, partial drafts, outlines, significant notes. 10/16: Assignment two is due.

You must use correct APA style for the formatting and quotations. No need for a title page or Works Cited / Bibliography. Upload your paper to turnitin.com by 5:00.

As always, you are welcome to come to me for help in my office hours, by appointment, and by email. Also, the writing center is available and does have copies of the assignments for this course. You should bring your own assignment and any draft or notes when you have an appointment at the Writing Center or when you come to see me.