After reading “The Undercover Parent” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/opinion/16coben.html?_r=0 ) (Chapter 1 – From Critical Thinking to Argument) complete the following:
1. Write your own brief letter to the editor indicating your reasons for supporting or rejecting Croben’s argument.
2. In the subject line of your post, indicate your position – Pro Spyware or Con Spyware.
3. Respond to a classmate who does not agree with your position. Explain why you disagree and offer a different point of view.
In order to earn the full points for this assignment, you must:
· Directly and completely answer the question.
· Clearly and accurately explain your answer based on factual information.
· Include examples, quotes and/or paraphrases in your answer.
· Compose a unified paragraph using effective sentence structure, word choice, and grammatical correctness.
· Respond to another student’s post explaining the reason for your agreement or disagreement.
Reminder: Please make sure to comply with all Netiquette Guidelines listed in the Getting Started module.
Watch the YouTube video – Evaluating Websites. This short video describes how to evaluate and compare websites you have found while doing research for your Module One essay.
Evaluating Websites
Duration: (2:38) User: anteater2112 – Added: 6/2/08
YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMb0_5pI-u4
Before you answer the questions below, read the following about bias and point of view:
Point of view or bias reminds us that information is rarely neutral. Because data is used in selective ways to form information, it generally represents a point of view.
· Every writer wants to prove his point and will use the data and information that assists him in doing so.
· When evaluating information found on the Internet, it is important to examine who is providing the “information” you are viewing, and what might be their point of view or bias.
· If you are looking at products produced and sold by that corporation, remember: you are looking at an advertisement.
· If you are reading about a political figure at the Web site of another political party, you are reading the opposition.
· Does this document reside on the Web server of an organization that has a political or philosophical agenda?
· If you are looking for scientific information on human genetics, would you trust a political organization to provide it?
· Never assume that extremist points of view are always easy to detect. Some sites promoting these views may look educational.
· Remember that anyone can purchase an .org Website.
Questions:
1. List the URL (Website address) of a source you are using for your Module One essay. After consideration, is this a good source to use in your college paper? Why or why not? Explain.
2. Respond to a classmate – look at the source your classmate has selected. Explain why you believe this is or is not a good source to be used in a college paper.