Exercise
Paragraph 1
The two sentences highlighted in yellow could both be the main claim. However, the sentence highlighted in green could just as easily be the main claim. Sentence two and the last sentence are untrue. Therefore, I would choose sentence one, because it might be true, although there are technologies that may be growing faster, such as genetic nanotechnology. I think sentence one might be supportable, but the others are not.
Computer technology is growing faster than any other technology. Unfortunately, because of all the advancements, the internet seems to favor the technologically elite. My grandmother, an eighty-four-year-old retiree, has no interest in learning how to use the internet, but she loves reading her favorite newspaper and magazines on her old, yet comfortable, Lay-Z-Boy recliner. Many people, especially retirees, don’t have the know-how, or the resources to use the internet.
Application of Star Test
Sufficiency Is there enough evidence to justify the claim?
No there is not enough evidence to justify the claim. There is no evidence presented to support the first statement about the rate of computer technology growth. As for it favoring the technologically elite, there is no definition of the elite, and that the grandmother has no interest in reading online does not mean she cannot do it, nor does this preference make her technologically challenged. The second proof offered, that people do not have the know-how to use the Internet is actually not true. Internet use poses few problems for most people, even seniors.
T—Typicality Is the evidence typical of the issue being argued about?
Actually, the typical Internet user becomes comfortable with the environment very quickly. However, there are functions, such as audio-video conferencing which require more expertise. The Internet is one thing that has become easier to use over time.
A—Accuracy Is the information used as evidence true?
No, the information used as evidence is not true. The Internet is not a problem for most people, even seniors. It is all the other functions that pose a problem, such as using email effectively, working with graphics, sound, and video. Protecting their computer, their information, and their identity is a more common problem for most people.
R — Relevance Is the claim relevant to the evidence?
The claim is relevant to the evidence presented that many people do not have the know-how to use the Internet. However, the proof statement is not accurate, so the relevance is moot.
Rewritten Paragraph 1
The Internet is growing faster than any other single technology, but many people, especially retirees, don’t have either the know-how or the resources to make the best use of it. Because of all the advancements, such as audio-video, 3D, and interactive chat and games, the Internet seems to favor the technologically elite: people with a wide array of tools, such as headsets, special peripherals and programs, and the know-how to use them.
These are needed to access videos, use interactive sites and chat or play live with other Internet users. However, some of these tools or programs are costly, while others take considerable time to master, so this leaves some people out. Other people simply do not have sufficient interest to bother with it. My grandmother, an eighty-four-year-old retiree, has no interest in learning how to use the internet, but she loves reading her favorite newspaper and magazines on her old, yet comfortable, Lay-Z-Boy recliner.
Paragraph 2
The first sentence is the main claim. It is not true and cannot be supported. Sentence two is also not true, because the wording makes it untrue. It could be rewritten with only small changes and become defensible.
Commercials have many different purposes, but the one thing they have in common is the way in which they try to intimidate you into buying their product. There are many different approaches they use but basically, they are appealing to a particular audience. By using certain things such as humor, animals, and appealing to your sense of need, or a combination of these things, they try to achieve their purpose. Sometimes, however, this might not work.
Application of Star Test
- S—Sufficiency Is there enough evidence to justify the claim?
- No there is almost no evidence to support the claim.
- T—Typicality Is the evidence typical of the issue being argued about?
- Intimidation as a tactic is common, but not typical of commercials. Intimidation tends to alienate a reasonably intelligent audience, so it is not the most favored tactic.
- A—Accuracy Is the information used as evidence true?
- No, this statement is not accurate. Not all, or even most, commercials share this tactic.
- R — Relevance Is the claim relevant to the evidence?
- Since no evidence is presented, then the claim cannot be relevant to the evidence.
Rewritten Paragraph 2
There are many different approaches they use but basically, commercials are each appealing to a particular audience. By using certain things such as humor, animals, and appealing to your sense of need, or a combination of these things, they try to achieve their purpose.
A company selling a product for teens might use humor to get their attention. Some companies which are selling a product that is well known, but not necessarily liked, such as phone service or insurance, use cartoon animals to get attention. You remember the name as connected to the fun cartoon and not the idea of accidents or bills. Some commercials even try to frighten you into using their product, such as commercials concerning the danger of germs. Sometimes, however, this might not work, and it can have the opposite effect, so it is not often used. However, even this approach will appeal to a certain audience.
Paragraph 3
This had to be rewritten. The rewritten form is defensible, but there is still a lot of argument, so not everyone accepts the proof. Wright’s proof is supportive, but not enough by itself.
We know that a clone will look exactly like its mother, but it will not be exactly like its mother, as the environment is as responsible for shaping one’s character as the genetic code one inherits. (Wright 2) Physical appearance is only part of a person. A person cannot inherit the strength of character or the integrity of his or her mother. These are learned behaviors. We must remember that “the average male anywhere on the globe is a 99.9% accurate copy [of any other male]…” (Wright 2).
Application of Star Test
- S—Sufficiency Is there enough evidence to justify the claim?
- Once rewritten there is sufficient evidence to justify the claim.
- T—Typicality Is the evidence typical of the issue being argued about?
- Environmental shaping, as in the nature VS nurture argument is quite typical of this claim.
- A—Accuracy Is the information used as evidence true?
- The jury is still out there is considerable evidence for both opinions (Ridley, M. 2003).
- R — Relevance Is the claim relevant to the evidence?
- The evidence presented is relevant.
We know that a clone will look exactly like its mother, but it will not be exactly like its mother, as the environment is as responsible for shaping one’s character as the genetic code one inherits. (Wright 2) Physical appearance is only part of a person.
The other part is personality. A person cannot inherit the strength of character or the integrity of his or her mother. These are learned behaviors. We must remember that “the average male anywhere on the globe is a 99.9% accurate copy [of any other male]…” (Wright 2). That little.1% cannot possibly be responsible for the personality and behavioral differences among humans. B.F. Skinner showed many ways to modify behavior and proved that the changed behavior eventually made changes in personality. Most people believe that both inheritance and environment are important to development. (Ridley, M. 2003). There is no definitive proof for one or the other.
References
Ridley, M. (2003). Nature Via Nurture: Genes, Experience, and What Makes Us Human. HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-000678-1. (The Agile Gene: How Nature Turns on Nurture).
Wright, Sewall, 1968-1978, Evolution and the genetics of populations, 4 vols.