Critical Comparison essay (first year English level)

ENGL 1101: Introduction to University Writing 1

TRU Open Learning

Identifying Issues and Debates—Wohlsen Article (Sample Answers)

Wohlsen, M., “Digital Literacy Is the Key to the Future”

Reverse outline used: Reverse Outline of Wohlsen’s Article (Sample Answers), from Unit 1

Initial Questions Use these questions to start thinking about the issues and debates in the article.

What is the author’s main argument?

Wohlsen argues that skills in “computational thinking” and the logic of coding will be crucial in a world driven by information technology, and not just for those involved directly in computer programming.

What is the author’s main goal? Why did they write the article?

Wohlsen wants to convince his audience that we, in society, face a challenge of trying to define digital literacy, and that this challenge is important to solve. He writes the article to get his audience thinking about what skills young people really will need in the future.

What field(s) of study does the writer connect with?

Wohlsen is writing in a technology magazine. His concerns and goals would be linked to working in the computer technology field, including computer programming. But, also, his ideas would be of interest to the field of education, and perhaps social policy development.

Who is the writer’s audience?

Wohlsen’s audience are the readers of a popular online technology journal; the audience would certainly have some interest in the role of digital technology in our working and social lives.

These sample answers have highlighted key phrases that are clues to identifying the issues and debates in the article.

2 Identifying Issues and Debates—Wohlsen Article (Sample Answers)

TRU Open Learning

Issues and Debates

Use these steps to present the issues and debates in the article.

A. Using the ideas from above, identify two or three different issues or debates in the article.

B. Indicate what position the article takes on that debate.

Issue or Debate #1

Describe the issue or debate.

Education:

What do students need to know? What should we be doing in school today to ensure young people have the skills they need to succeed in today’s computer- driven society?

What position in the issue or debate does the author take?

Not everyone would agree with Wohlsen’s focus on the benefits of a heavy emphasis on computer skills and coding in schools.

Issue or Debate #2

Describe the issue or debate.

Digital literacy:

How have computers changed what we know and what we need to know?

Computer technology has changed the priorities in our world. Given that we live in a world dominated by digital information technology, what skills and knowledge do we need to handle it?

What position in the issue or debate does the author take?

Wohlsen’s emphasis is on coding, but not everyone sees it that way. Others might define digital literacy as simply being able to use digital devices and software.

ENGL 1101: Introduction to University Writing 3

TRU Open Learning

Issue or Debate #3

Describe the issue or debate.

Information technology and data:

How will we be able to manage the mass data that we can now collect in society? What does a data-driven society look like? How will it be different from the past, and what opportunities and challenges will we face?

What position in the issue or debate does the author take?

Wohlsen’s focus on the primacy of technology may lead him to overstate the value of data in society.

Add more issues or debates as you find them.