Format and Requirements: 5-6 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, no cover page
What makes a source credible? For this assignment you will examine the readings we have encountered so far, as well as the research paper by Henrich et al., in order to consider what makes different kinds of sources credible, and how authors shape their tone, choices of evidence, and other rhetorical elements in order to make their writing credible for their intended audience. The goal of this essay is not to compare/contrast the sources in order to determine which is more credible, but rather to assume that each of the sources we have encountered demonstrates credibility to its audiences. The task of this essay assignment is to determine how they do it.
Assignment Objectives:
Write an essay that analyzes what makes different kinds of sources credible. How does Watters credibly discuss Henrich et al.’s research without the same research credentials? Why does Serano, a published scientist in biochemistry and biophysics, choose not to reference any scientific publications in her essay? Why does the research paper by Henrich et al. include so many more citations than Watters’ article about it in Pacific Standard? How do the different contexts of Pacific Standard, the journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences, and the book Yes Means Yes! shape audience expectations for what constitutes credibility? When does personal experience serve as credible evidence, and how do authors choose between different kinds of evidence for support? How do first-person writing and disclosures of personal opinion or “bias” affect an author’s credibility? You must address all three sources in your essay, though not necessarily to the same degree.
Criteria for Evaluation:
• Argument: Argument directly and fully answers the prompt; is clearly stated early in the paper; is original, compelling and logical, avoiding absolute claims
• Evidence: Appropriate amount of relevant, accurate, and justifiably interpreted quotation. Quotations are thoroughly introduced, explained, analyzed, and connected to argument/other texts. Possible counter-arguments are considered. Includes required number and types of sources.
• Organization: Paragraphs maintain argumentative focus, exclude extraneous information, appear in a logical order, and transition smoothly. Introduction sets forth argument and goals of essay. Conclusion opens up avenues for future research.
• Audience: Consistent, academic tone. Appropriate amount of contextual information, anticipating audience questions. Addresses significant issues and makes them important to audience.
• Grammar and Format: Errors in grammar, spelling, and usage limited or non-existent. Correct MLA format, including proper quotation citation.
the readings we have read are “Being Weird: How Culture Shapes the Mind” Ethan Watters. “Why Nice Guys Finish Last” Julia Serano. the reading by Ethan Watters is where the research paper by Henrich comes in at if you read this piece. you must address all three sources. please if you need me to upload pages from the book i have no problem. This is ENC1102 the book we use is called Emerging: Contemporary readings for writers by Barclay Barrios Third edition.
