Comparing Author's Presentations and Arguments

Read the following text excerpt from “Anti-Tablet”:

...With strength and durability that could last thousands of years, paper can preserve information without the troubles we find when our most cherished knowledge is stuck on an unreadable floppy disk or lost deep in the 'cloud.' Paper textbooks can be stored and easily referenced on a shelf. Data are as easy to retrieve from paper as reaching across your desk for a textbook. They are easy to read and don’t require a battery or plug. Though the iPad and e-readers have increasingly better screen clarity, the idea that every time a person reads a book, newspaper or magazine in the near future they will require an energy source is frightening.

Select the main argument of the text provided. (RI.3.8)

• ...With strength and durability that could last thousands of years, paper can preserve information...

• Paper textbooks can be stored and easily referenced on a shelf.

• Data are as easy to retrieve from paper as reaching across your desk for a textbook

• Though the iPad and e-readers have increasingly better screen clarity...

Select a disadvantage of using a bar graph to present information on the debate of “Tablets vs. Textbooks in K-12 schools.” (RI.3.7)

• The bar graph gives the reader an overwhelming amount of information

• The bar graph allows readers to be swayed by emotional appeals.

• The bar graph provides limited information on a complex topic.

• The bar graph shows only one side of the argument.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Select a sentence containing relevant and supportive evidence for this argument. (RI.3.8)

• “They are easy to read and don’t require a battery or plug.”

• "Paper can preserve information without the troubles we find when our most cherished knowledge is stuck on an unreadable floppy disk or lost deep in the 'cloud.'"

• “Though the iPad and e-readers have increasingly better screen clarity, the idea that every time a person reads a book, newspaper or magazine in the near future they will require an energy source is frightening.”

• “With strength and durability that could last thousands of years

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Select the sentence containing irrelevant or inappropriate evidence. (RI.3.8)

• “But before we shred the last of the paper textbooks, let us pause and remember those old streetcars, and how great it would be if we still had them around.”

• “Paper textbooks can be stored and easily referenced on a shelf.”

• “They (paper books) are easy to read and don’t require a battery or plug.”

• “the astounding costs to outfit every student with an e-reader, provide technical support and pay for regular software updates promise to make the e-textbook a very pricey option.”

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

Select two advantages of using the bar graph to present information on the debate of “Tablets vs Textbooks in K-12 schools.” (RI.3.7)

• The bar graph provides clearly stated, relevant information about the topic.

• The bar graph provides overwhelming evidence to support the “Pro-Tablet” side

• The bar graph provides overwhelming evidence to support the “Anti-Tablet” side.

• The bar graph provides valuable information that supports and refutes claims on both sides of the debate.

• The bar graph provides data on school success with digital implementation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

Select a disadvantage of using a bar graph to present information on the debate of “Tablets vs. Textbooks in K-12 schools.” (RI.3.7)

• The bar graph gives the reader an overwhelming amount of information

• The bar graph allows readers to be swayed by emotional appeals.

• The bar graph provides limited information on a complex topic.

• The bar graph shows only one side of the argument.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

What is the Apple Company’s stance on tablets replacing textbooks in K-12 schools? (RI.3.9)

• iPads are the cure to all school attendance problems.

• iPads are inexpensive and easy to use.

• iPads increase student motivation and engagement.

• iPads are the only way for the modern student to learn.

How is this portrayed in the “Pro-tablet” text? (RI.3.9)

• “Other positive outcomes include an increase in attendance and a decrease in discipline problems and dropout rates."

• “They say that tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks.”

• “From preschool to college, reports from institutions overwhelmingly indicate that students using iPad find that it increases their engagement in learning and makes them feel more motivated to learn.”

• “A number of K-12 schools, districts, and higher education institutions have reported seeing substantial gains when comparing current student test scores with prior-year test scores, pre- and post-test measures, and classrooms without iPad…”

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

Select one way in which Justin Hollander disagrees with the “Pro-Tablet” text on a matter of fact or interpretation. (RI.3.9)

• Justin Hollander believes that digital devices are too expensive while the “Pro-Tablet” text claims that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks.

• Justin Hollander believes that digital devices decrease student engagement while the “Pro-Tablet” text claims that they increase student motivation and engagement.

• Justin Hollander believes that tablets cause medical problems for students while the “Pro-Tablet” text claims that tablets improve students’ eyesight.

• Justin Hollander believes that digital devices decrease student achievement while the “Pro-Tablet” text claims that data shows increased standardized test schools for schools who use e-readers.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Select a sentence from the “Anti-Tablet” section that highlights this disagreement. (RI.3.9)

• “They are easy to read and don’t require a battery or plug.”

• Digital-reading advocates claim that ... e-books save schools money. But... the astounding costs to outfit every student with an e-reader, provide technical support and pay for regular software updates promise to make the e-textbook a very pricey option.

• “The digitization of information offers important benefits, including instant transmission, easy searchability and broad distribution.”

• “They say that tablets contribute to eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision, increase the excuses available for students not doing their homework, require costly Wi-Fi networks, and become quickly outdated as new technologies are released.”