English TED talks

1. Select a graph or chart from https://www.pinterest.com/usatoday/daily-snapshots/ summarize the graph, and then use the information to support at least 3-5 different claims. See if you can get at least two of the claims to make opposing or very different points. Have some fun with this. (The point is not to learn to manipulate or trick people but to see first hand how the same statistics can serve a variety of arguments.)

2. watch these two Ted talks: http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_shows_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen#t-5189

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then write the initial reaction to the two videos, What is the most interesting point made by each speaker? Why did this point stand out?

3. Examine the two TED talks you chose in more detail. (You may want to refer to the transcripts.) Write a short 1.5-2 page (300 – 500 word) essay comparison in which you examine the effectiveness and techniques of the two speakers’ arguments. Does one convince you more than the other? Why?
Your essay must:
•Briefly summarize the point each speaker is trying to make and present evidence he is using.

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