Looking more closely at the mechanics of spin, slant and tilt

There were not enough usable examples generated in class last time for us to spend any time with. The main reason was, I think, that I didn't make it clear enough what I was looking for. Some of the texts weren't from readings done in connection with our current research; some were argumentative texts like editorials or letters to the editor, where the argument makes it harder to see what's being assumed. So let's try it again.

This time, here's a clearer statement of what you should do.

As you're reading the text or texts you're assigned for next Tuesday, be on the lookout for a paragraph in which the writer or writers is just explaining something -- not making an argument for something, but just describing or explaining. Try to find one where it's not really explicit what the author's view is, or at least not clear in the passage concerned.

Copy and paste, or transcribe the passage (at least 50 words; no more than 150) into a file. Indicate clearly, with a bibliographical reference, where it came from. Print it out. Bring it to class Tuesday.

If you want to highlight words you think give a hint as to what the writer's expecting you already to believe, do so, but don't worry about this. We'll talk about them in class.