ENGL 150: Writing and Research (Sections 01 and 18)
Professor E. Derek Taylor
Topic Sheet for Essay 4: Comparison / Contrast
Due Friday, 11-17-17 (submit a hard copy at the beginning of class)
We are all, as the song goes, floating in space. Indeed, as far as we can prove at this point, all life in the entire universe exists on a single planet. It thus matters to us—to all living things—what happens here on this terrestrial spaceship we call Earth. (For a news report summarizing the latest comprehensive assessment of our collective spaceship’s climate by the so-called NCA4, go to this website and click the “listen” button.)
Read at least four natural sciences essays or reports related to climate change. Three of these sources may come from credible websites (Slate, for instance), popular magazines such as Time, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, or National Geographic, or reputable governmental agencies (NOAA or NASA, for example). But at least one of your sources must come from a scholarly journal such as Science or Nature (both of which have searchable websites). After carefully reading your sources, write a five-page essay in which you compare what you have learned about the science of climate change to your previous views (as revealed in your science-literacy narrative). Be sure that your comparison addresses all four of the categories around which you constructed your science-literacy narrative:
I will expect your essay to contain the following elements:
1. Introductory paragraph. Introduce your readers to your topic by providing necessary background information. Alert them to the importance of your topic and to the approach your essay will be taking. Why should anyone care about climate change? Did you, prior to conducting your research? Do you now?
2. Thesis. At the end of your first paragraph, provide a thesis that announces with clarity and precision the point you will be making through your comparison. Since your views (as expressed in your science-literacy narrative) are a key component of your essay, it is acceptable to use first person in this assignment.
3. Body. The body of your paper should contain four sections (extent, causes, consequences, solutions), each of which should offer a coherent, carefully organized comparison between your initial views and what you have learned through your research. Be sure throughout to remain focused on the overarching point you announced in your thesis.
4. Conclusion. Remind your readers of the main point of your paper (in different words) and explain why it matters. Given what you have learned, what now?
5. Works Cited (or Bibliography, or References) Page. Your essay should be formatted using MLA, APA, or Chicago formatting standards—your choice. But be consistent!
Professor E. Derek Taylor
Topic Sheet for Essay 4: Comparison / Contrast
Due Friday, 11-17-17 (submit a hard copy at the beginning of class)
We are all, as the song goes, floating in space. Indeed, as far as we can prove at this point, all life in the entire universe exists on a single planet. It thus matters to us—to all living things—what happens here on this terrestrial spaceship we call Earth. (For a news report summarizing the latest comprehensive assessment of our collective spaceship’s climate by the so-called NCA4, go to this website and click the “listen” button.)
Read at least four natural sciences essays or reports related to climate change. Three of these sources may come from credible websites (Slate, for instance), popular magazines such as Time, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, or National Geographic, or reputable governmental agencies (NOAA or NASA, for example). But at least one of your sources must come from a scholarly journal such as Science or Nature (both of which have searchable websites). After carefully reading your sources, write a five-page essay in which you compare what you have learned about the science of climate change to your previous views (as revealed in your science-literacy narrative). Be sure that your comparison addresses all four of the categories around which you constructed your science-literacy narrative:
- Extent of the problem
- Causes
- Consequences
- Solutions
I will expect your essay to contain the following elements:
1. Introductory paragraph. Introduce your readers to your topic by providing necessary background information. Alert them to the importance of your topic and to the approach your essay will be taking. Why should anyone care about climate change? Did you, prior to conducting your research? Do you now?
2. Thesis. At the end of your first paragraph, provide a thesis that announces with clarity and precision the point you will be making through your comparison. Since your views (as expressed in your science-literacy narrative) are a key component of your essay, it is acceptable to use first person in this assignment.
3. Body. The body of your paper should contain four sections (extent, causes, consequences, solutions), each of which should offer a coherent, carefully organized comparison between your initial views and what you have learned through your research. Be sure throughout to remain focused on the overarching point you announced in your thesis.
4. Conclusion. Remind your readers of the main point of your paper (in different words) and explain why it matters. Given what you have learned, what now?
5. Works Cited (or Bibliography, or References) Page. Your essay should be formatted using MLA, APA, or Chicago formatting standards—your choice. But be consistent!