Statistics 144

Library Assignment/Written Project

100 points

You are to find an article from a popular magazine or newspaper that is less than one year old and that contains statistical information. You will find many magazines in the Jefferson Community College Library that contain articles with statistics. However, you may also use a magazine or newspaper that you have at home.

After you have read your article and made appropriate notes, your essay should report on what you have read.

Opening paragraph: Briefly describe the article and why you chose it.

Body: Go into more detail. Explain why you believe statistics are present in the article and what they are. Further, explain why you believe the author chose to use statistics.

Answer as many questions as you can from the end of Chapter 4, page 80, in your text. Does the article you have chosen answer enough of the questions for you to trust it? Why or why not?

Explain in terms of statistics what the article could have done better and/or what id did well. If it is lacking some information, do you think they intentionally omitted it?

Conclusion: Give me your comments, analysis, and evaluation of the topic on which you have just reported.

The essay must be typed, double-spaced and MLA style , have one inch margins, use 12-point type and be 2 to 3 pages in length. A cover sheet must be included, and you must make reference to the source of your article(s). No paper will be accepted without a Works Cited page. This project should be submitted via an attachment . A portion of your grade is based on correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar as well as your success in clearly communicating your ideas about your statistics topic.

If writing is not your strong suit, you should make an appointment, in a timely fashion, with a writing specialist in the Collaborative Learning Center (Building 15). To contact them for an appointment, visit the tutoring page on the college website. The Jefferson Community College Library contains a wealth of information. See Dare to Document for assistance in format.

This paper is due no later than July 15. No late papers will be accepted.

The following is a breakdown of how your paper will be graded:

Cover Sheet (Title and Graphic) 5 points

Appropriate Length and Format 10 points

Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar 15 points

Introductory Paragraph 15 points

Body of Essay 40 points

Concluding Paragraphs 15 points

Total 100 points