“Reading and Responding to Argument’
This article is from the August 1, 2010, edition of the New York Times -Plagiarism Lines Blur for Students in Digital Age” by, Trip Gabriel and “Too Hard Not to Cheat in the Internet Age?” by Elizabeth Minkel essay appeared on the New Yorker’s “Book Bench” blog on August 4, 2010.
Directions: Google both sources, and after reading Trip’s article and Elizabeth’s essay, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Remember if you quote, summarize, or paraphrase from either source, you must cite!
- Minkel’s essay is a refutation of Trip Gabriel’s article, whose headline she accuses of “pinpointing a problem, weaving a theory, and excusing youthful copycats in one fell swoop.” Do you think it simply identifies a problem? Explain. 2. Minkel summarizes Gabriel’s article. Is this a fair and accurate summary? Explain. 3. Minkel identifies herself as a recent college graduate. Why? Is she appealing her to ethos, pathos, or logos? 4. When Minkel quotes the student in her paragraphs, is she setting up a straw man (see logical fallacies)? Why or why not? 5. How would you characterize Minkel’s tone? Is this tone appropriate for her audience? Explain. (Note that this essay first appeared in the New Yorker, a magazine likely to be read by educated readers). 6. Evaluate Minkel’s last paragraph, particularly her concluding statement. Does this paragraph accurately express her reasons for criticizing Gabriel’s article? What, if anything do you think she should add to her conclusion? Why?