Writing Homework Help

These two articles that deal with the idea of skepticism and the paranormal. Both Waxman & Klass are arguing the same thing – that news programs, TV specials, & investigative journalism lack a certain amount of skepticism when dealing with the paranormal. This can be found in either blatantly disregarding information or sublte word choices in the presentation of information.

The ways Waxman & Klass approach this topic, however, are very different. Please read both pieces:

• Waxman – Mind Over Media: How the News Legitimizes the Paranormal and Why It Matters
• Klass – That’s Entertainment! TV’s UFO Coverup

Keep in mind while reading:

• How are they making their arguments?
• Is one more approachable than the other? Why?
• Do you find one author more credible in his/her argument than the other? Why?

Note: Waxman’s PDF may open sideways. To view it correctly, look for a rotation arrow at the top right (or a button that looks like >>). Click to find the rotation options. You may also need to right click & select “rotate” until the document appears correctly.

Assignment: Utilizing the Rhetorical Summary Handout (attached) & explanation in this module, create a rhetorical summary & response to either Klass or Waxman. This is basically what your Reader Response will look like (though for it, you’ll write about two sources, not just one).

Assignment should contain:

• A paragraph of summary of either Klass or Waxman (your choice – just pick one; do NOT do both) using steps A-D of the rhetorical summary outline (4-7 sentences).
• At least one paragraph (5-7 sentences) of your response to the reading in which you discuss whether you agree or disagree with the author’s thesis/argument & how the work has influenced your thinking about the topic. For instance, did the support/evidence offered affect your opinions, or did the language used catch your attention, etc.
• At least one in-text, direct quotation (word-for-word, in quote marks) from the text with parenthetical citation somewhere within either the summary or your response. Parenthetical citation – at the end of the quote, you put the author’s last name & the page number location of the quote in parenthesis. It would look “something like this” (Smith 42).
• The text cited on a properly MLA-formatted Works Cited page.

Citation Information for Waxman & Klass: you will use this information to create a citation. This information is NOT presented to you already formatted.

• Waxman – this article is published in an anthology title Legends, Lore, & Lies: A Skeptics Stance. It is edited by Joseph Calabrese & was published by Pearson Education, Inc. in 2007.
• Klass – this article is published online by CSICOP.org in December of 1996. Use today’s date for last access. The URL link is available on the article.