The Trouble with Text Speak (Article One)

Question

"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.

I need 4 paragraphs

Answer 1

Analyzing Conflicting Information in Texts

Experienced readers can effectively analyze conflicting information in texts by adopting a systematic approach that includes identifying key arguments, comparing the authors' perspectives, and evaluating the evidence presented. The first step involves recognizing the main claims made by each author. In the first article, the author argues that techspeak is detrimental to the English language and leads to declining grammar skills, citing a study that correlates techspeak usage with poor performance on grammar tests. Conversely, the second article contends that techspeak reflects the evolution of language and emphasizes that frequent texters maintain their understanding of formal writing rules despite their casual messaging style. The next step is to compare how each author interprets the evidence; for example, while the first article views techspeak as a hindrance to writing skills, the second suggests it is a natural evolution of language. Finally, it is important for readers to evaluate the credibility of the sources and the strength of the arguments. By critically analyzing these conflicting viewpoints, readers can form a more nuanced understanding of the impact of techspeak and develop the ability to engage in informed discussions about language evolution.

The Impact of Differing Interpretations on Readers

The differing interpretations of the same facts by the two authors significantly affect readers’ perceptions and understanding of techspeak. For instance, the first article portrays techspeak as a negative force that leads to poor grammar and writing skills, which may lead readers to fear for the future of written communication. This perspective can create anxiety among educators and parents who believe that the rise of techspeak diminishes language competence. In contrast, the second article reassures readers that the evolution of language through techspeak is a natural process rather than a decline in literacy. This interpretation fosters a more positive outlook on the issue, helping readers appreciate the adaptability of language in the digital age. When confronted with conflicting views, readers are compelled to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about language, allowing them to challenge or reinforce their perspectives based on the arguments presented.

The Persuasive Power of Including Conflicting Viewpoints

Including conflicting points of view and evidence in an argument can significantly enhance its persuasiveness by demonstrating thorough consideration of the topic. When authors acknowledge differing opinions, they engage in a more balanced discussion that appeals to readers' critical thinking abilities. For example, the first article emphasizes the negative effects of techspeak on grammar. In contrast, the second counters this claim by highlighting the efficiency and evolution of language. By incorporating these opposing views, readers are encouraged to weigh the merits of each argument. This approach not only strengthens the author's credibility but also invites readers to explore the complexity of the issue. When readers see that an argument addresses counterpoints, they may be more inclined to trust the author's conclusions and consider a broader range of perspectives, ultimately fostering a more informed and open-minded discussion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of recognizing and evaluating conflicting information in texts cannot be overstated. Different interpretations of facts, as seen in the contrasting views on techspeak in the two articles, significantly shape readers’ understanding and attitudes toward language. Engaging critically with these viewpoints allows readers to cultivate a deeper awareness of the complexities surrounding language evolution. Furthermore, authors who include and address opposing perspectives in their arguments not only strengthen their own positions but also enrich the reader's experience and understanding of the topic. As communication continues to evolve in the digital age, fostering these skills will be essential for navigating the nuances of language.