Write at least two paragraphs that address the assumptions you perceive in one of the
three articles we've covered: Danah Boyd’s “Why America is Self-Segregating,” (handout), Nina Fedoroff's
“The Genetically Salmon Is a Boon for Consumers and Sustainability,” or Lynn Stuart Parramore’s “Fitbits
for Bosses” (both in Barnet). Your first paragraph should consist of a brief summary of the argument and
your identification of the key assumptions that underlie the author's argument and represent ideas the
feader must share to accept the viewpoint the author presents. For the first part of the assignment, your
goal is to read the argument closely and actively and communicate the fogical structure of the author's
argument. Barnet suggests that you use the Greek consideration of topics to both understand the author's
presentation of her argument and her assumptions and to generate ideas you want to consider in your
evaluation of it. The main topics are: definition (what is it?); comparison (what ts it like or unalike?):
relationship (what caused it and what will it cause?); testimony (what is known or said about it, especially
by experts?).
The second part of this assignment is to offer your evaluation of the validity of the ideas presented in the
article you selected. Why would you accept, reject, or partially accept the premises you have identified?
Consider each assumption from all three angles before you decide upon your position. Be sure to explain
your reasoning in detail so that the reader can follow your thinking, and provide illustrations and examples
to clarify your points.
Sample Solution