Write a paragraph in which you describe the steps that experienced readers can use to analyze conflicting information in texts about the same topic. Explain why it is important for readers to recognize and evaluate conflicting information. Provide specific examples from the two texts.

Question

The Trouble with Text Speak (Article One)

"c u soon :-)! wud u go 2day?" Anyone who regularly sends and receives electronic messages likely understood the meanings of the previous statement and question right away. This string of words, which vaguely resembles sentences, employs techspeak, sometimes also known as text speak. This new way of writing is changing the English language, and not for the better.
The Destruction of English

Before people began typing messages on tiny screens, there were rules for formal written English that teens and adults alike tried to follow, whether they were composing friendly letters or preparing scientific reports. Since texting has become an important mode of communication, many of these rules have essentially been tossed out the window. Don't worry about the right way to spell something! As long as the person reading your message can figure out what you are trying to say, it's fine the way it is. Capital letters and periods? Why bother? Is there really any point in writing "I don't know" when "idk" will be understood? This overly relaxed attitude and approach is destroying the English language.
Declining Grammar Skills

Teachers have suspected for years that students' grammar skills have declined because of techspeak. At least one study suggests this hunch is correct. Researchers gave students a grammar test assessing skills they had been taught in school. They found that the more often teens sent or received messages that contained text speak, the worse they performed on the test.

Common errors associated with the frequent use of techspeak include using abbreviations ("imho" in place of "in my humble opinion") and spelling words based solely on how they sound instead of looking them up in a dictionary. Writing "wut "instead of "what" or "gr8" instead of "great" are two examples of this practice.
The Inability to Turn Off Techspeak

The most concerning issue related to techspeak is not that people shorten words or use symbols to communicate their thoughts and feelings quickly and efficiently to peers. It's that many people do not recognize that this style of writing is not suitable for all applications. Further, they are unable to switch from this informal style to the proper one expected by educators and employers. For example, some research shows that the majority of students currently in middle school and high school have used techspeak in their school assignments. About 25 percent have used symbols such as smiley faces.
Writing for Success

Many teens view techspeak as an acceptable mode of written communication. On the other hand, many—older—English teachers and recruiters in charge of hiring new employees do not. Young people who do not have the knowledge and skills needed to switch from text speak to a more formal writing style that uses proper spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation are less likely to be successful in school and in certain careers.

The English Language: New and Improved (Article Two)

Not so long ago, people communicated with others by talking on the telephone or writing lengthy letters in flowing script. Now, texting or online messaging is the method preferred by many. This practice has changed the way people write words and compose sentences in certain situations, but it has not harmed our language as some suggest.
Our Ever-Evolving English Language

One thing that is true of most people is that they do not like change. The attitudes of those who witnessed the development of techspeak clearly illustrate this statement. Many are raising the alarm bells and claiming that the English language is being destroyed. What they forget is that language does not stay the same forever. It is constantly changing.

Before the emergence of Late Modern English, for instance, there was Old English, Middle English, and even Early Modern English. Consider the following lines written in Old English: "HWÆT, WE GAR-DEna in geardagum / þeodcyninga þrym gefrunon / hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon!" They are from the well-known epic poem Beowulf, which is thought to date back to the eighth century. The average reader today does not understand a single word.
Retaining Essential Writing Skills

A common argument against frequent texting is that it will cause individuals to lose the ability to write properly. One study finding appears to contradict this. Frequent texters often omit capital letters and periods in their messages. However, when those same young people took a grammar test, they were able to apply the capitalization and punctuation rules they learned in school just fine.
The Genius of Text Speak

Far from suggesting that human intelligence is on the decline, the development of techspeak illustrates the opposite. People who had to spell out words on tiny keyboards found it time-consuming, and they wanted to get their point across faster. They knew that shorter messages cost less to send. What emerged as a result was a brand-new form of writing that was still effective yet much more efficient. There are now two writing systems: one for casual text chats, and one for situations where a higher degree of formality is required.
Techspeak in the Future

Educators and employers who grew up without techspeak will likely continue to argue against its use. For now, those who hope to get good grades and land dream jobs need to be able to switch seamlessly between techspeak and conventional English. However, it is easy to envision a future in which the use of "u" instead of "you" in an online cover letter won't be a reason for a supervisor to move an entire application to the recycle bin. As young people who grew up with techspeak assume positions of power in society, they will accept it for what it is—a valid form of written English that was developed for the electronic age.

Answer 1

Experienced readers can analyze conflicting information in texts about the same topic by following a series of steps. First, they should identify the main arguments presented in each text and the evidence supporting those arguments. They should then cross-reference the evidence provided in each text to determine if it is accurate, reliable, and consistent. This can be done by conducting additional research or seeking out other sources on the topic. Next, readers should assess the credibility and bias of the authors, considering factors such as their qualifications, affiliations, and potential motivations. Finally, readers should use their critical thinking skills to evaluate the strength of the arguments and evidence presented in each text, weighing the validity of different perspectives. It is important for readers to recognize and evaluate conflicting information because it allows them to form more informed opinions, make better decisions, and avoid being misled or manipulated by biased or inaccurate information.

In the first text, "The Trouble with Text Speak," the author argues that techspeak, or text speak, is detrimental to the English language. They provide examples of how techspeak violates formal written English rules, such as using abbreviations and spelling words based on pronunciation. The author also references a study suggesting that students who frequently use techspeak perform worse on grammar tests.

In contrast, the second text, "The English Language: New and Improved," presents a more positive perspective on techspeak. The author acknowledges that language is constantly evolving and argues that techspeak is just another example of this evolution. They suggest that techspeak actually showcases human intelligence by demonstrating the ability to convey messages quickly and efficiently. The author also challenges the notion that techspeak impairs writing skills, citing a study that shows frequent texters can still apply capitalization and punctuation rules correctly.

By analyzing these two conflicting texts, experienced readers can consider the arguments and evidence presented in each. They may question the validity of the study mentioned in the first text and seek additional research to support or refute the claim. They can also reflect on the different perspectives presented, considering the potential biases and motivations of the authors. Ultimately, readers can use their critical thinking skills to form their own opinions about the impact of techspeak on the English language.