English Paper

Project 2: Fake News Due via Blackboard: ___________________________________________________

your freewrite paragraph about fake news

your Discussion Board paragraph response to science articles

your paragraph response to facts articles

reader response worksheets from our articles and videos

notes from class discussions

list of types of fake new (generated from class discussion)

Organization of this paper:

This paper does not follow the traditional format of the five-paragraph essay. However, it is still an essay. Paragraphs should be indented, and you should start a new paragraph every time you present a new idea. You are not answering each question in a worksheet format.

Your thesis, or focus, for this paper should be why fake news is a subject worth understanding and exploring.

Part of this paper is explaining the various aspects of the Fake News unit. You should show that you paid attention, participated in discussions, completed the assignments, and understood everything.

The rest of the paper is your opinion. But this is an educated opinion based on all of the things we learned over the last few weeks in class. Try to focus your thoughts and determine what YOU think about all of the information presented to you during this project.

NOTE: If you were absent, in body or mind, all of the videos and articles are on Blackboard under the Project 2: Fake News tab. Our discussions, however, are in the ether, and you can never access those.

NOTE: In ENG 105 we are learning how to acknowledge other people’s ideas and writing. We are also learning to recognize the ways in which other thinkers acknowledge their sources. Although you do not have to include in-text citations or a Works Cited page, you are encouraged to acknowledge the articles by referring to them with simple signal phrases such.

For example:

“Berghal’s article explains…”

“The article about why people ignore facts refers to a study that shows…”

Paper Format Requirements:

MLA Format – Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1” margins, MLA heading, title centered below heading

Heading (in upper, left-hand corner of first page):

Your Name

Professor Hoffman

ENG 105

Date

Title (Centered in the middle of the paper, underneath the heading)

Rubric:

Item	Available Points	Your Points
Originality, unique voice, personal opinion, evidence of critical thinking; Essay reflects the author’s unique connection to this topic through expressive and carefully selected word choices that bring the topic to life; Essay provides comprehensive insight, understanding, and reflective thought about the topic; Essay is written in a style that is appealing and appropriate for the intended audience	30
Explanation of concepts discussed; Evidence you paid attention to class discussions, articles, videos and developed educated opinions on the concepts; Essay presents a focused and cohesive viewpoint that is substantiated by effective supporting examples, explanations and details from articles, videos and class discussions	40
Organized in essay format Thoughts are coherent; consistent voice evident throughout Flow between paragraphs Style of writing facilitates communication, fluently written to stimulate thought	20
Accurate grammar and punctuation; paper is proofread; MLA paper format	10
TOTAL	100

Based on our readings, assignments and class discussions, here are the questions we raised. You should answer as many as possible in your essay. You will also be given an outline that will help you organize these your answers.

What is the definition of fake news, and what are all of the various types?

Where do our beliefs come from?

How do beliefs affect how we determine information as “real” or “fake”?

Can we believe something that is untestable?

Who is an authority that we can believe to tell us what is “real” and what is “fake”?

Why are people still willing to believe what they want to believe, even when they are presented with the facts and the truth?

Can we rely on science/facts/data to help us understand what is “real” and what is “fake”?

What are filter bubbles? Echo chambers? Why are they dangerous?

Should social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, and search engines like Google be allowed to determine what is “real” and what is “fake”?

Where does the idea of censorship come into this?

How can you prevent the spread of fake news?

Can you provide guidelines for determining the quality, accuracy and reliability of a source?

Where can you go for accurate news?

Where can you go to debunk conspiracy theories or rumors?

**What is the current state of journalism in this country?

**What happens if we do not have a free press?

**Can democracy survive without ethical journalism and good sources and flow of information?

What happens if we don’t have access to reliable information from reliable sources?

What happens if technology becomes so advanced that we can’t determine what’s real and what’s fake?

Is there anything you read or thought about that we didn’t discuss but that you still feel is relevant and important to this topic?

Have you been personally affected by fake news? Explain.