Writing Challenge 2 – Social Networking Persuasion
As you know from class, each week the English Composition classes will be issued several writing challenges geared toward practicing your writing skills.
Sometimes these challenges will contain specific instructions for writing one of the three types of essays we will be covering in class, and sometimes they will be generic assignments that can be responded to as you see fit.
For the first challenge, the goal is for me (the instructor!) to gain an understanding of your current writing skills so that I can adjust class to your current skill level. In this case, I want to see what you can do with nothing but a writing prompt for a topic.
Instructions:
- Register an user account on the web site so that you can submit your response.
- Read the question carefully.
- Pause and think about how you wish to respond to the question.
- Open up your favorite word processing program (Word, Notepad, etc.)
- Write your essay! I want to see how you would write if you had to take the test right now.
- Post your essay as a response to this page. Once you log in, there should be a text box at the bottom of the page under the words “Leave A Reply”. Copy and paste your essay into this section, then click “Submit Comment”. You can choose to leave your name off of this, put a nick name, etc.
- Watch for a reply! I will try to review and post comments on these essays as quickly as possible. If the essay needs extensive help, I will print the essay, make specific notes on it, and pass it back the next class meeting.
The Second Writing Prompt: Social Networking Sites
This prompt is closer to the style you will expect to see on the English Composition Exam from Excelsior College. The goal of this particular prompt is to force you to write about something that many of you may not know much about! The goal is not to have you go research a bunch of extra stuff, it’s to see how well you can support your opinion on a topic that you might not know much about.
Social-Networking Sites
You have 60 minutes to compose an essay on the topic assigned below.
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and assignment.
“One way to understand social-networking sites like Facebook and MySpace is to consider that younger digital natives are not necessarily being exhibitionists when they post photographs of themselves and share personal details there. Instead, these users are living a life in which consciousness is spread out evenly over two platforms: real life and the Web. Rather than feeling schizophrenic or somehow pathological, digital natives understand that these two realms divide the self much as speech and the written word divide language, a division that humans have lived with for a long time without going bonkers.
(Sarah Frere-Jones, “Living on the Radio,” The New Yorker, April 20, 2009)”
Assignment: When young people use social networking sites, including MySpace and Facebook, are these sites serving to enhance kids’ social lives or are they actually being used as a substitute for human interaction? Compose an essay supporting your opinion on this matter. Be sure to support your side of the argument by using examples from things you have read, studies you have heard of, personal obersvations and experiences, etc. Include in your post your outline and writing planning, as we have completed essays in the Week 2 and Week 3 In-Class Activities.
Incoming search terms:
- compare and contrast the benefits and negative aspects of online communities such as facebook and myspace
- Compare and contrast the benefits and the negative aspects of online communities like Facebook and MySpace
- living on the radio sarah frere-Jones
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September 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
It is not unusual if you often hear your siblings or your friends talk about the people they have met and made friends with through the internet as social networking has taken the internet world by storm, but just like in any other development in technology, social networking has positive and negative sides.
Let us take a look at the outstanding pros and cons of social networking. One example is that instead of meeting in a certain place, you and your classmates could discuss a school activity by having a conference in a certain site, thus saving you time and effort by meeting in person. Second, social networking communities are formed and are composed of people connected together by common interests. Thirdly, people of different races also get to mingle with each other in just a few clicks.
While social networking sites have become places for estalishing connections and meeting friends, they have become likely places for identity theft and fraud. Furthermore, someone pretending to be somebody else could ask you to meet them somewhere, and end up hurting or harming you, even taking your money. In addition, it has also become easier for someone to stalk you or harass you online.
In conclusion, you should make use of the pros and cons of social networking sites to take precautions of the kind of people you trust and share information about yourself. Social networking has been shown to be a great tool for communicating but, it also has proven to have a negative downside as well.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Parents Are Your Children Lacking Communication Skills?
With todays increasing technology it is easy to understand why america’s youth are turning to the internet for socialization. Today’s youth need continue with face to face communication to learn how to build important social skills in their lives.
Young people are clearly lacking in effective communication skills by using intenet sites such as, FaceBook and MySpace. These web sites offer youth a way to communicate with one another instantly. As good as this may feel to them,they are unable to build social skills this way. Using this as a main source of building social communication skills,it is truly lacking in the ability to see facial expression, body language and tone of voice.
From the beginning of time people have been searching for better ways to communicate effectively with one another. Communication proves to be an important factor in building lasting relationships. Without this skill, relationships breakdown or have no start. For instance, studies have shown the marriage relationship will not last without this skill.
This cannot be your child’s only source to communicate with one another. It is important you work with your child to build this skill. Ways for instance this can be done, could be to involve your child in special groups that interest him or her. Or invole them in church functions, extraciricular acitivities in their school. Peer groups help you child learn social skills and communication with one another.This is the only way we can teach our children the importance of good social skills and communication, which yields lasting relationships.
Susan Henthorne
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
lculver:
I would encourage you to go back and re-read the writing prompt for this essay. Your essay was well constructed and only had a few sections with run-on sentences, but it strayed off topic. The prompt asked you to discuss whether kids use Social Networking as a substitute for real-life interaction or if it is enhancing their social lives, while your response discussed the pros and cons.
Remember, you need to pick a side to the argument and support it! For example, in your second paragraph you discuss meeting on-line for a school activity instead of in person as as a pro. But is it a pro for convenience or a pro for supporting social interaction they may not have bothered to do otherwise?
Don’t let this stress you out though, we will be talking about Comparison essays more in class in just a few weeks.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
nursemom81:
Good job! My only question is the supportive argument you have for your second paragraph – are the kids not learning any social skills on these sites, or just not learning the ones that apply to face-to-face interaction? Just something to think about!
Also, the 3rd paragraph about social skills from the beginning of time may be better as an introductory paragraph, followed by a thesis.
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:11 am
Social network
My space and face book have become a popular website for socializing among young people. There is no cost to build your profile as long as you have a computer or cell phone to access your page. Once you have created a profile you begin to starting making friends with other people. The advantage of socializing on these websites is that you don’t have to leave your home to meet your friends or be embarrassed when you meet people who are not interested in being your friend.
Whatever happened to the old-fashioned way of social networking among other people? For example, going to a company party or a function at school. These are the places where you talk with other people who may or may not share some of the things that you may have in common. Maybe people seem less interested in mingling with other people, when they are more comfortable using face book or my space. It’s like you are in a fantasy world, because you may never meet that person face to face. As you access the websites you start to build friends with other people online and share those friends with other users.
With the use of face book and my space page you can upload your favorite photos or videos of yourself or places that you like to go. There are some risk when you post your photos and any other personal information of identity theft or contracting a virus on your computer. You may not know if the friends that you make are who they say they are. You would think that these sites would be fun and exciting but are very time consuming. Young people are spending less time focusing on school and more time on cell phone and computers checking to see if they have new friends. Interacting with other humans whether it is one on one or in a group is healthy. I have talked with other people and asked what is all the excitement about my space and face book. I don’t see anything about these sites that would enhance your education or intellect.
Although we are interacting in a website world we forget about the dangers that are involve, especially with our teenagers. For example fraud or identity theft. Let’s talk about fraud, yes we are excited that the people who ask to be our friends. How can we be sure that they are who they say they are, for instant posting a false profile or using their profile for a dating ad. Another thing to consider is the language that is being used especially when blogging. Are we sure that our teens are using proper etiquette while they are on these web sites, for instance there was a how to commit suicide posted on my space and the young lady took her own life. Other dangers including identity theft. How can we as parents be sure that our teens are safe while chatting on these sites and teach them not to post all of your personal information. All users of the face book and my space pages should be aware of danger while they are having fun socializing online.
As a parent of three teens I have to monitor their time on the computer and the websites that they choose to visit. They have asked could they have a face book or a my space page and my answer was no. they would spend more of their time on these sites instead of finding educational sites to enhance their learning ability. Our computer in my home is for educational purposes and they can socialize with their friends at school or on the weekends.
September 26th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
Social Networking has become very popular among teens. I think there are many positive attributes to this new wave of communication. There is the socialization, sharing of important information, and reuniting with old friends. There is also a negative side of web sites. Identity theft and harassment are a few to be concerned about.
The positive side to social sites are many. They can provide better ways to keep in touch with friends and family who may live far away. Many people do not have phones but still have internet access, making it easier to keep in touch with the ones you love.
Information can be obtained faster than ever. Friends can be asked their opinions and experiences on a particular subject. Its easier to get help with essays, book reports. It can also be used to help make informed decisions during a time of crisis.
Its fun to reunite with old friends. Finding people who you have lost contact with is one of my favorites. You can then share pictures and videos. Catch up on what friends or family members have been up to while you were out of touch.
On the other side of social networking are many negative aspects. Identity theft is a common occurrance. This can be costly. Your credit could be ruined by purchases being made without your knowledge.
Illegal activities and stalking are also a concern. Transactions of an illegal nature could take place using your name, address, etc. People that may have issues with you, or for no reason at all, can harass you. this makes it important to have the ability block or un friend someone who doesn’t respect the boundaries.
As u can see, there are both good and bad qualities to online social web sites. It is important to make informed choices when becoming a member. Be aware of the good, bad and the ugly.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:44 am
wlvkculver:
Use of Written Language: 5 – Watch out for using commas where you should start a new sentence, but overall very good.
Use of Argument and Support: 5 – Your arguments clearly support your thesis. This might even be given a 6 by some graders.
Understanding Concepts: 2 – You definately wrote a well-developed essay, but it did not address the challenge question. The prompt was to support whether or not social networking impeded social skills, and your essay was a compare and contrast of the pros and cons of social networking and did not address social skills beyond the second paragraph.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:03 am
nursemom81:
Use of Written Language: 5 – Good organization with just a very few minor grammar errors. For example: “Ways for instance this can be done,…” would be better stated as “For instance, was that this could be done include…”
Use of Argument and Support: 5 – Your arguments clearly support your thesis, and the thesis clearly states your side of the argument and your major supporting reason.
Understanding Concepts: 5 – You clearly understood the prompt and addressed it while developing your essay.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Lee Johnson:
Use of Written Language: 4 – Some grammar and spelling errors are present, but they do not impede the meaning of the essay. For example: Facebook and Myspace are names (Proper Nouns) and should be capitalized.
Use of Argument and Support: 3 – There is not a really clear thesis supporting one side or the other. You start out saying there are advantages, then move to disadvantages, and end with a discussion of monitoring computer time. Make sure your thesis clearly states which side of a persuasive argument you are on.
Understanding Concepts: 3 – You start out on-topic discussing the social situations with Myspace and Facebook, but then move into identity theft and other dangers. Because the prompt specifically asked for a discussion of the social aspects, this section is off-topic.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:43 am
sonbarnes:
Use of Written Language: 4 – Grammar and spelling errors are present but don’t detract from the meaning. They are slightly distracting though, so it is important to watch for them. For example: “The positive side to social sites are many” would be better phrased as “There are many positive sides…” You also had one instance of text-speak in this essay – be very careful not to use “u” instead of “you” on the exam!!
Use of Argument and Support: 3 – There is not a really clear thesis supporting one side or the other. You start out saying there are advantages, then move to disadvantages, and end without a clear conclusion.
Understanding Concepts: 3 – You start out on-topic discussing the social situations with Myspace and Facebook, but then move into identity theft and ilegal activities. Because the prompt specifically asked for a discussion of the social aspects, this section is off-topic.
April 27th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Social Networking Discussion
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace have become wildly popular among the younger set. It’s a safe, fun and frugal way to keep in touch with friends and family. Instead of “cruising the strip” or “hanging out” as the past couple of generations have done, many teens spend hours in front of a computer screen typing messages for those with whom they have chosen to communicate.
Some experts contend that use of these sites may promote many unhealthy behaviors such as failure to maintain real world relationships, exhibitionism, and gaming addictions, just to name a few. On the contrary, many real world relationships may begin on a social networking site. There are safeguards in place to discourage posting anything in bad taste. The games are free to the user, require some skill and do not reward you with anything of monetary value.
In fact, there are many more benefits to social networking. It definitely improves multitasking skills. You are often required to chat in real time, post comments on other people’s comments, and play a game at the same time. In addition, those who feel awkward speaking to others in person may find it easier to hone their social skills in writing first. New acquaintances may be made by the suggestions of old friends on the site. Often, people make plans to get together as a group to eat a meal or just to talk. Some relationships have been enhanced by these sites. Mothers have commented that they would not have the opportunity to communicate with their teens as often if they were not “friends” on a social networking site.
Young people today enjoy maintaining their relationships through social networking. The opinion that this type of communication promotes unhealthy behaviors appears to be fueled by misinformation. One only has to visit one of these sites to see that the younger generation is onto something here.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Social Networking Discussion
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace have become wildly popular among the younger set. It’s a safe, fun and frugal way to keep in touch with friends and family. Instead of “cruising the strip” or “hanging out” as the past couple of generations have done, many teens spend hours in front of a computer screen typing messages for those with whom they have chosen to communicate.
Some experts contend that use of these sites may promote many unhealthy behaviors such as failure to maintain real world relationships, exhibitionism, and gaming addictions, just to name a few. On the contrary, many real world relationships may begin on a social networking site. There are safeguards in place to discourage posting anything in bad taste. The games are free to the user, require some skill and do not reward you with anything of monetary value.
In fact, there are many more benefits to social networking. It definitely improves multitasking skills. You are often required to chat in real time, post comments on other people’s comments, and play a game at the same time. In addition, those who feel awkward speaking to others in person may find it easier to hone their social skills in writing first. New acquaintances may be made by the suggestions of old friends on the site. Often, people make plans to get together as a group to eat a meal or just to talk. Some relationships have been enhanced by these sites. Mothers have commented that they would not have the opportunity to communicate with their teens as often if they were not “friends” on a social networking site.
Young people today enjoy maintaining their relationships through social networking. The opinion that this type of communication promotes unhealthy behaviors appears to be fueled by misinformation. One only has to visit one of these sites to see that the younger generation is onto something here.