put the words all together and short it Directions: Within Unit 3 , lessons 1-8 have prepared you to complete a piece of analytical writing. Recall what you have learned in this portfolio to write an analysis of the texts, “Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World” by Yonathan Zohar and “Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon” by Rick Moonen. Use the prompts to guide your response.

Audio Recording of “Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World”.
Audio Recording of “Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon”

Your portfolio must include the following:
-A minimum one paragraph response to each of the questions listed below. No introduction or conclusion are needed. You will turn in at least three paragraphs.
-This assignment is NOT a compare and contrast between the two articles. This assignment is NOT asking for your opinion, or for you to pick which article is more persuasive.
-In-text citations when referencing the two articles. Ex. (Zohar) or (Moonen) According to Moonen, “dfdsfjds”. “Dsfsdlfj” (Moonen)

Textbook Directions: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.

Reworded Directions: As to not be fooled into believing everything you read, what should you look for in the article before you view it as reliable/credible/believable? Look at the text features, such as titles and subtitles. Look at the publication itself. Who published it? Is there an organization or group behind the publication? Who is the author? Are they reliable? What does that group represent? Is the author getting paid to write this? Are their multiple viewpoints published? Ask questions as you read. Is this a logical argument? Is there anything the author is leaving out?

Your paragraph should outline the steps you would take to decide if the author’s words are believable. You can number the steps within your paragraph. Explain why it is important to recognize and evaluate both sides to an argument. Provide at least two examples from both texts.

Sentence Starters for Citing and Explaining Text Evidence

Outline for Question 1:

Outline of steps: (1,2,3…) Look for conflicting facts, and both sides for the argument and look for opinions and for omitted facts.
REaders should look for….
Step 1- Readers should look into who the author is and if the author is reliable. Step 2- readers should look at the publication date to see if the article needs updating. Step 3- Readers should find out if the author is being paid to write the article.
Explain why it is important to recognize and evaluate both sides of an argument: ( 1-2 sentences) It is important to recognize both sides of an argument so that you and other readers can understand the entire situation. It helps people make wiser, more educated decisions about voting, products, and etc.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote: This quote proves Moonen is …….
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).

Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:

Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:

Textbook Directions:Write a paragraph in which you explain why it matters when the two authors interpret the same facts differently. Using specific examples from the two texts, describe the impact of the authors’ differing interpretations of the facts on you as a reader.

Reworded Directions: Is the information really conflicting, or have the authors focused on different facts? Authors look at the same fact or statistic and present it in a different way in order to help their argument. Has this happened in either of the passages? Is the information misleading or incomplete? Why should you as an educated reader educate yourself about conflicting points of view? What should the reader look for in order to understand both points of view? Find examples from the two passages where the authors use the same information but in different ways to enhance their own argument.

Outline for Question 2:
Why does it matter to the reader when two authors interpret information differently? ( 1-2 sentences) It matter to the reader when author’s use information differently because the author’s might be lying. The author’s could the data to persuade the reader to believe one thing over another, but it might not be true. By reading both sides, the reader can identify the truth.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote:
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:
Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:

Textbook Directions:Write a paragraph in which you explain how including a conflicting point of view and evidence in an argument can make it more persuasive. Describe the effect that including a conflicting point of view and evidence can have on readers. Give specific examples.

Reworded Directions: Why is it beneficial to address the conflicting point of view? Author “A” believes Cake is best. Author “B” believes Pie is best. Why would it be beneficial for Author A to discuss Pie in their argument? What could Author A say about Pie that would help the Cake argument. Find examples from the Salmon articles where both author’s include each other’s arguments. IE. When Moonen brings up Zohar’s perspectives and when Zohar brings up Moonen’s perspective. Provide examples from the text.

Outline for Question 3:
Why is it beneficial to address the conflicting point of view? It is beneficial to bring up the opponent’s point of view because it shows the author as trustworthy, reliable, and educated about the topic. This shows the author is presenting the truth and not trying to deceive or cover up information.(1-2 sentences)
How does including a conflicting point of view and evidence make for a more persuasive argument? (1-2 sentences) . Readers believe author’s who include a conflicting argument because it proves they are more knowledgeable about the topic.
Describe the effect including a conflicting point of view can have on us as the readers. ( 1-2 sentences) Readers will believe the author who appears more trustworthy.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote:
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:
Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:

1 answer

Certainly! Here’s a concise, reformulated version of your directions for the analytical writing assignment regarding the two articles on genetically modified salmon:


Assignment Overview

Your task is to analyze the texts “Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World” by Yonathan Zohar and “Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon” by Rick Moonen. Use prompts to structure your response, which should consist of at least three paragraphs—one for each of the following questions. No introduction or conclusion is needed. Remember, this is not a comparison or a personal opinion piece; focus solely on analysis and include in-text citations (e.g., (Zohar) or (Moonen)).


Question 1: Steps for Analyzing Conflicting Information

Outline the steps experienced readers should take to analyze conflicting information in texts:

  1. Identify the author’s credibility and background.
  2. Review the publication date for relevance.
  3. Determine if the author has any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., financial incentives).
  4. Look for differing viewpoints within the texts.

Importance of Recognizing Conflicting Arguments: Recognizing both sides is crucial for understanding the full context, aiding informed decision-making.

Evidence from Moonen: “Quote” (Moonen).
Explanation: This quote illustrates Moonen’s perspective on...

Evidence from Zohar: “Quote” (Zohar).
Explanation: This indicates Zohar’s belief that...


Question 2: Interpretation of Facts

Explain why differing interpretations of facts matter for readers.

Importance: Different interpretations can mislead readers; examining both perspectives helps uncover the truth.

Evidence from Moonen: “Quote” (Moonen).
Explanation: This emphasizes Moonen’s interpretation of...

Evidence from Zohar: “Quote” (Zohar).
Explanation: This highlights Zohar’s stance that...


Question 3: Value of Conflicting Viewpoints in Arguments

Discuss the benefits of acknowledging opposing viewpoints.

Benefits: Addressing counterarguments enhances an author’s credibility and suggests a comprehensive understanding of the topic, making their argument more persuasive.

Effect on Readers: Readers find authors who acknowledge other viewpoints more trustworthy.

Evidence from Moonen: “Quote” (Moonen).
Explanation: This demonstrates Moonen’s engagement with opposing views by...

Evidence from Zohar: “Quote” (Zohar).
Explanation: This reflects Zohar’s acknowledgment of Moonen’s perspective by...


Remember to craft coherent paragraphs based on these outlines, ensuring a clear analysis of both texts in relation to the prompts provided. Good luck with your writing!