When analyzing conflicting information from texts about the same topic, experienced readers can follow several steps to ensure they understand the different perspectives. First, readers should identify the main arguments presented in each text, recognizing the authors' positions on the topic. For instance, in the first article, the author argues that techspeak is damaging the English language and causing a decline in grammar skills, while the second article asserts that language is dynamic and that techspeak enhances communication efficiency. Next, readers should evaluate the evidence and examples used by each author to support their claims. For example, the first article cites a study linking techspeak to poor grammar performance, whereas the second article mentions a contrasting study showing that frequent texters can still apply grammatical rules. Lastly, readers should reflect on their own biases and consider how these might influence their interpretation of the texts. Recognizing and evaluating conflicting information is crucial as it helps readers develop a more nuanced understanding of the topic. By considering different viewpoints, readers can form educated opinions rather than simply accepting one narrative, ultimately leading to a more informed and critical perspective on issues related to language evolution and communication methods.
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.
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.
Option Two: (Example)
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.
Option Three: (Example)
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 point of view and evidence can have on readers. Give specific examples.
*You MUST complete and submit this assignment in Google Documents. You will not receive credit for this assignment if it is not written and turned in using Google Documents. This assignment follows the Google Document Policy outlined in the 8th Grade ELA Syllabus. Remember, this assignment must be your original work that is written in your own words. You MAY NOT use Chat GPT or any other Artificial Intelligence tools for this assignment. You will receive a 0 if there is evidence of plagiarism or large portions of copy and pasted material that are not cited properly.
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