Discuss about scientific evidence but still makes key points that apply to literary and non-scientific evidence.

Discuss about scientific evidence but still makes key points that apply to literary and non-scientific evidence.

https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_battling_bad_science (MUST WATCH AS DISCUSSION IS BASED ON THIS TED TALK)

Historically, composition instruction has addressed two areas. One area is the
use of conventions, following standard conventions in writing and format.
These conventions help streamline our communications. Think about
looking at a text message full of short form text such as “r” — we
have to translate that “r” = “are” and if we’re not clued
into the cultural expectation, we won’t understand. MLA or any
documentation system supports these norms by setting format standards.
Grammatical standards were put in place over time but developed because of the
invention of the printing press where standardized spelling and punctuation
were essential because these
standards make the printed material consistent and, as a result, easier to
understand.
The
second area of composition instruction addresses writing for a purpose: to persuade,
to argue (which is really persuasion that is based on logical argument), to
inform, to define, to classify–all the modes of writing we’ve reviewed this
semester. In addition, this second area of composition also focuses on
evidence–the content that we use to support our purpose.
The
final project assignment asks that you develop an argument that is
evidence-based! Proposals are due at the beginning of this week and will
be returned by the beginning of next week. My response will look at
1) limited focus;
2) quality of
proposal–does it meet the requested task?, and 3) use of evidence.

This
week’s class focuses on evidence.
Topics:
What is evidence in writing and communication (video
presentations like the Ted Talk also use evidence!)
Lumen Learning OER https://courses.lumenlearning.com/engcomp1-wmopen/chapter/outcome-finding-evidence-2-3/ – Note:
This is a fantastic short unit with embedded video about the various types of
evidence. You’ll need to click through and read all five pages
UNC Writing Center Tips and Tools handout
– https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/evidence/
Quality of evidence – Using credible sources
The
simple answer for finding credible sources is to go to a location where sources
are reviewed before going into the database or onto the library shelf.
Libraries review their sources so any public or school library is usually
a good place to go!
For
online research, consider scholar.google.com.
It provides access to scholarly essays–but needs a bit of understanding for
successful use and navigation.
Here
is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7bUS9TYvRU
And for an overview about judging sources in general, see this handout, https://valenciacollege.edu/students/learning-support/winter-park/communications/documents/TypesofEvidenceinPersuasiveFINAL.pdf

Documenting evidence in written communication
The Nature of Writing https://natureofwriting.com/courses/mla-citation-style/
– Note:
This is another very well done short unit–please click through all the
sections.

Note: Peer review will be addressed next week.

Activities:
Reading:
Please read through links posted above
as they are specific to your use of evidence for the final project paper.
Graded
Discussion 10 – Quality of Evidence.
The Ted Talk featured this week focuses
on how evidence isn’t being used in the scientific community-and discusses
standards and expectations for quality. After watching the Ted Talk,
“Battling Bad Science,” please answer the following questions in a
2-3 paragraph discussion post. 1) What evidence does the
speaker provide to support his point of view? 2) What adds credibility to
his statements? 3) Is the presentation persuasive (effective)?
This will use the standard discussion assessment.

Last Completed Projects