Please read "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" from the July/August 2008 edition of the Atlantic magazine. In approximately 350-450 words, respond to the article. You can find the article here:
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/6868/
You may respond in any manner you choose. There are no prescribed questions to answer. However, you might, at some point in your response, quickly explain the basic argument that Nicholas Carr makes. In addition, you might try to explore, how Carr makes this argument. We will spend most of the year analyzing the various techniques that authors use to present arguments. The class is primarily designed to help you learn this skill of "rhetorical analysis," one you will definitely need to pass the AP exam, and more importantly, to be part of an intelligent adult audience. In the meantime, try to dissect Carr's article as a piece of rhetoric using the analytical skills you've already developed. Lastly, you might - only if you choose - draw some connections between Carr's understanding of human cognition and Huxley's understanding in Brave New World.
When you respond, please remember the basic principles of writing that Trimble addresses in Writing with Style. Your audience does not want to read a formulaic five-paragraph essay. Now is your chance to practice what Trimble preaches. Be bold, but be bold correctly. It's simple. Remember your audience – we have read the article – and remember the fundamentals of good writing.
Please complete this assignment by noon on Saturday. Of course, I will be grateful to those of you who complete it earlier. Ideally, I hope to have them all read before class next Monday.
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