Does the TV make one Smarter?

In this website you will be comparing the essay with the original essay and view the writer thoughts. By that you will be adding two sources from the article " Thinking outside the idiot box", and constructing the essay with your argument. Your goal will be to write your own argument, partially in respond to this essay, in order to change the thoughts, opinions, with your own words. Please add the new sources in the Work cited page. This will be the second essay that will in the argument. http://www(dot)slate(dot)com/articles/news_and_politics/surfergirl/2005/04/thinkingoutside_the_idiot_box.html Please give me your best shot for this essay. Thanks,

For the first essay of Writing 1, we will begin with constructing an argument based on issues that can be found in the readings of They Say / I Say. In the second part of the book, various authors share their opinions on sports, popular culture, education, fast food, and the American dream. For this foray into writing, you will join the conversation and add your own opinions to one of those topics explored in the book. This essay is designed for two purposes: 1) to continue to familiarize yourself with the writing process and the academic essay, and 2) to get you writing in the larger academic conversation on important issues.

The Prompt:       

For this essay, I would like you to select one of the above topics in They Say/ I Say discussed by the authors. Once you have your topic, select at least two (2) of the readings in the book on that topic, and construct your argument keeping them in mind for context. Once you have selected your topic and source(s) from the book, your goal will be to write your own argument on one of the issues in the book, partially in response to at least two the readings, in order to change the thoughts, opinions, and/or actions of a general academic audience.

Rules and Regulations for Full Essay #2:

• Each final draft should be at least four (4) whole pages (not counting works cited).
• Each essay should have a clear, strong, and well-supported thesis statement. I recommend this thesis to be in the introduction as well as the conclusion.
• Remember the principles of They Say, I Say, including but not limited to establishing context (what “they say”) for your topic, rules for quoting and citation, clearly agreeing/disagreeing with what “they say,” explaining the “so what?” factor of the essay, and making sure to provide plenty of strong transitions and metacommentary. These will guide you.
• Your essay is not only a response to the essays in the book. While it is important to respond to the authors and use them, the point of the essay is for you to argue your own point using the readings for context and support. Strategies like the “They Say” (beginning the paper by mapping the rhetorical situation), which we will discuss in class, can help with this.
• All essays must address a topic with a suitable scope for a short academic paper. What I mean by this is that you probably will not be able to explain all aspects of a given issue in the book. If you are unsure if your approach to the topic is suitable, come to me and I will let you know.
• Each essay must make reference to at least two (2) sources, from They Say/ I Say. If you desire to bring in more research, you may do so (from the TS/IS book or otherwise), but you must adhere to all MLA guidelines. Feel free to supplement your ideas with examples from your own life, experiences, and observations. No outside research is required for this essay.
• If you would like to use any of the other readings I have assigned in class, such as texts by Dweck, Rose, Lamott, or Hern, feel free. If I’ve assigned it and you can use it effectively, it’s fair game for this essay.
• All essays must be typed, in MLA format, with a corresponding works cited page.
• The essay is not a narrative. Though personal and first-hand examples are acceptable, they should not take the place of credible sources. Use of first person words, such as “I,” “me,” or “my,” is acceptable, but should be used sparingly.
• Avoid using the word “you” at all costs.

If you have any comments or questions regarding this assignment, PLEASE ASK ME! I am more than willing to help you out!

Good luck!