This paper is to include the authors Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Restak and Sharon Moalem. Comparing and contrasting the different ways technology effects the way the brain works.
Dr. Hinten
wrreferralessay2w131-1_1.docxWriters’ Room Referral Sheet
Date: ________________
Course Number: _W131 ____ Teacher Name: _Marcy Holland___________________
Dear Writers’ Room Tutor,
I have requested the following student, ______________________________________, to work in the Writers’ Room on the following skill or issue:
Ma, Moalem, Restak
Using these three essays, form and support a thesis about technological and environmental change and change in ourselves. How does Ma’s discussion of evolution as a response to environmental change apply to Moalem’s evidence that we can be changed biologically by things that happen to us and that some of these changes may be inheritable? How do these ideas apply to Restak’s account of technology’s effect on our brains? Use key terms and concepts from Ma to analyze concrete examples from Restak and Moalem. Are there ways that the examples from Restak and Moalem extend, test, or complicate Ma’s ideas? In addition, look for the overlaps and differences between Moalem’s account of epigenetic changes and Restak’s discussion of technological effects on the brain (compare/contrast).
Questions to Consider:
Are we seeing individual changes or societal change or evolutionary change?
Are we evolving in response to a change in our technological environment to reach a new equilibrium?
Remember that the key to developing an in-depth analysis and an original thesis rather than simply summarizing or reporting on the individual authors is:
1. Using ideas/key terms/concepts from author 1 to take a fresh look at examples/evidence from authors 2 and 3.
2. Using the examples/evidence from authors 2 and 3 to support, extend, or test/complicate the ideas/key terms/concepts from author 1.
3. Considering one author’s ideas and examples in relation to another author through comparison and contrast.
(6-7 pages plus Works Cited)
Please stamp this referral sheet and provide any information or further suggestions that might help this student continue to make progress. I greatly appreciate the help you are giving our students!
Writers’ Room Stamp:
Tutor Comment: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Comment:
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