Unit 7 Lesson 9- Analyzing Informational Text Portfolio- Salmon
Key Terms
Interpret- to understand and explain information or an idea.
Author’s purpose- the reason an author writes a text. Must have a verb. “To explain, to inform, to persuade, to educate, to entertain”
Point of view- opinion
Conflicting point of view- an opposing opinion about a topic
Argument- a claim, position, or idea supported by reasons and backed up with evidence.
Claim- statement of opinion
Reasons- statements in support of a claim
Evidence- something that provides proof for a claim
Refute- assert that an idea is weak or incorrect
Conclusion- judgments based on reasoning76
Directions: Within Unit 7, lessons 1-8 have prepared you to complete a piece of analytical writing. Recall what you have learned in this portfolio to write an analysis of the texts,
“Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World” by Yonathan Zohar
Read aloud....Feed the World Y. Zohar
and “Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon” by Rick Moonen.
Read aloud: Say No....R. Moonen
Use the prompts to guide your response.
Your portfolio must include the following:
-A minimum one paragraph response to each of the questions listed. No introduction or conclusion are needed. You will turn in at least three paragraphs.
-In-text citations when referencing the two articles. Ex. (Zohar) or (Moonen)
Textbook Directions:Write a paragraph in which you describe the steps that experienced readers can use to analyze conflicting information in texts about the same topic. Explain why it is important for readers to recognize and evaluate conflicting information. Provide specific examples from the two texts.
Reworded Directions: As to not be fooled into believing everything you read, what should you look for in the article before you view it as reliable/credible/believable? Look at the text features, such as titles and subtitles. Look at the publication itself. Who published it? Is there an organization or group behind the publication? Who is the author? Are they reliable? What does that group represent? Is the author getting paid to write this? Are their multiple viewpoints published? Ask questions as you read. Is this a logical argument? Is there anything the author is leaving out?
Your paragraph should outline the steps you would take to decide if the author’s words are believable. You can number the steps within your paragraph. Explain why it is important to recognize and evaluate both sides to an argument. Provide at least two examples from both texts.
Outline for Question 1:
Outline of steps: (1,2,3…) Look for conflicting facts, and both sides for the argument and look for opinions and for omitted facts.
REaders should look for….
Explain why it is important to recognize and evaluate both sides of an argument: ( 1-2 sentences) be aware that opinions affect writings and bias is present
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote:
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
“The AquAdvantage salmon is no different from conventional farmed salmon in its composition and health benefits, and the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that it is safe for people to eat.” (Zohar)
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:
Aquadvantage said that modified salmon is pretty much the same salmon as farmed salmon and the FDA has said the salmon is “safe to eat.”
Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:
Textbook Directions:Write a paragraph in which you explain why it matters when the two authors interpret the same facts differently. Using specific examples from the two texts, describe the impact of the authors’ differing interpretations of the facts on you as a reader.
Reworded Directions: Is the information really conflicting, or have the authors focused on different facts? Authors look at the same fact or statistic and present it in a different way in order to help their argument. Has this happened in either of the passages? Is the information misleading or incomplete? Why should you as an educated reader educate yourself about conflicting points of view? What should the reader look for in order to understand both points of view? Find examples from the two passages where the authors use the same information but in different ways to enhance their own argument.
Outline for Question 2:
Why does it matter to the reader when two authors interpret information differently? ( 1-2 sentences)
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote:
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:
Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:
Textbook Directions:Write a paragraph in which you explain how including a conflicting point of view and evidence in an argument can make it more persuasive. Describe the effect that including a conflicting point of view and evidence can have on readers. Give specific examples.
Reworded Directions: Why is it beneficial to address the conflicting point of view? Author “A” believes Cake is best. Author “B” believes Pie is best. Why would it be beneficial for Author A to discuss Pie in their argument? What could Author A say about Pie that would help the Cake argument. Find examples from the Salmon articles where both author’s include each other’s arguments. IE. When Moonen brings up Zohar’s perspectives and when Zohar brings up Moonen’s perspective. Provide examples from the text.
Outline for Question 3:
Why is it beneficial to address the conflicting point of view? (1-2 sentences)
How does including a conflicting point of view and evidence make for a more persuasive argument? (1-2 sentences)
Describe the effect including a conflicting point of view can have on us as the readers. ( 1-2 sentences)
Evidence #1 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote:
Evidence #1 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote:
Evidence #2 from Moonen: “insert quote” (Moonen).
Elaborate on #2 Moonen quote:
Evidence #2 from Zohar: “insert quote” (Zohar).
Elaborate on #2 Zohar quote:
Question 1:
Experienced readers can use the following steps to analyze conflicting information in texts about the same topic. First, they should look for conflicting facts and opinions presented in each text. This means identifying statements or information that contradict each other. For example, in the article "Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon" by Moonen, the author claims that genetically modified salmon have negative effects on wild salmon populations. On the other hand, in the article "Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World" by Zohar, the author argues that genetically modified salmon can be an efficient way to meet the increasing demand for seafood. These conflicting facts show that there are different perspectives on the impact of genetically modified salmon.
Secondly, readers should look for any omitted facts or biased presentation of information in the texts. Omitted facts can indicate a selective representation of the topic, making the information unreliable. For example, in Moonen's article, he may omit certain facts about the benefits of genetically modified salmon to strengthen his argument against it.
Lastly, readers should consider the credibility of the authors and the publications. Who is the author? Are they reliable and knowledgeable on the topic? Are they affiliated with any biased organizations or groups? These questions can help assess the reliability and validity of the information presented.
It is important for readers to recognize and evaluate conflicting information because it allows them to have a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of a topic. By examining different perspectives and analyzing conflicting facts, readers can make more informed judgments and decisions. For example, if readers only rely on one article that supports genetically modified salmon without considering the opposing viewpoints, they may miss important information and potential risks associated with this technology.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: "The genetic contamination problem...could wipe out wild salmon populations." (Moonen)
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote: This quote highlights Moonen's concern about the negative impact of genetically modified salmon on wild salmon populations. It presents a conflicting fact when compared to Zohar's argument that genetically modified salmon can help in meeting the increasing demand for seafood.
Evidence #1 from Zohar: "The AquAdvantage salmon is no different from conventional farmed salmon in its composition and health benefits, and the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that it is safe for people to eat." (Zohar)
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote: This quote emphasizes Zohar's assertion that genetically modified salmon is safe for consumption, which contradicts Moonen's claim about potential risks and negative effects on human health.
Question 2:
It matters when the two authors interpret the same facts differently because it highlights the subjective nature of information and the impact of personal perspectives on the presentation of facts. In the case of the articles about genetically modified salmon, the authors' differing interpretations of the facts can influence readers' understanding and perception of this topic.
For example, Moonen interprets the fact that genetically modified salmon can be produced faster as a negative aspect, arguing that it can lead to the overproduction of salmon and impact wild populations. On the other hand, Zohar interprets this same fact as a potential solution to the increasing demand for seafood and a way to address food scarcity issues. These differing interpretations can lead readers to view genetically modified salmon either as a potential threat or a viable solution.
As a reader, these different interpretations can have an impact on our understanding and decision-making. We need to be aware that interpretations can be influenced by personal biases, underlying agendas, or differing perspectives. To understand both sides of an argument, readers should look for objective evidence, scientific studies, and multiple viewpoints. By considering different interpretations, readers can make more informed judgments and avoid falling into one-sided or biased viewpoints.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: "Genetically modified fish are produced differently...This rush to profit will also drive up the overproduction." (Moonen)
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote: This quote demonstrates Moonen's interpretation of genetically modified salmon production as driven by profit motives and resulting in overproduction. It presents a negative perspective on the topic.
Evidence #1 from Zohar: "Genetically modified salmon...can fill the growing gap between seafood supply and demand." (Zohar)
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote: This quote showcases Zohar's interpretation of genetically modified salmon as a potential solution to meet the increasing demand for seafood. It presents a positive perspective on the topic.
Question 3:
Including a conflicting point of view and evidence in an argument can make it more persuasive because it demonstrates to readers that the author has considered multiple perspectives and has taken into account opposing viewpoints. By acknowledging and addressing counterarguments, the author shows that they have examined the topic comprehensively and have taken an unbiased approach.
When authors include a conflicting point of view and evidence, it can have a persuasive effect on readers. It helps readers see that the author has considered different perspectives and has analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the argument. This can make the author's position appear more reasonable and credible. It also shows respect for the readers' intelligence and their ability to consider multiple viewpoints.
For example, in Moonen's article, he addresses the argument that genetically modified salmon can be an efficient way to meet the increasing demand for seafood. By acknowledging this perspective, Moonen creates a more balanced and nuanced discussion of the topic. Similarly, Zohar includes the concerns raised by critics of genetically modified salmon, which shows that they have evaluated the opposing viewpoints and have taken them into consideration.
Including a conflicting point of view and evidence also allows readers to make informed decisions and form their own opinions. By presenting multiple perspectives, readers can critically analyze the arguments and evidence presented and come to their own conclusions.
Evidence #1 from Moonen: "Genetically modified fish threaten our health and endanger wild salmon populations." (Moonen)
Elaborate on #1 Moonen quote: This quote showcases Moonen's discussion of the concerns raised by critics regarding the potential risks to human health and the impact on wild salmon populations. By including this conflicting point of view, Moonen strengthens the overall argument against genetically modified salmon.
Evidence #1 from Zohar: "Critics argue that genetically modified salmon could pose unknown risks to human health and the environment." (Zohar)
Elaborate on #1 Zohar quote: This quote demonstrates Zohar's inclusion of the concerns raised by critics. By addressing the conflicting point of view, Zohar presents a more comprehensive and persuasive argument in favor of genetically modified salmon.