ENG 2D

The Evolution of Language

This assignment will introduce me to your writing style and ability, begin our practice of effective use of
the writing process, and test your close reading skills.

Read the article “Why ‘Cool’ Is Still Cool” by Jonah Berger. In this article, he provides a brief
explanation for why some words remain popular, while others appear to be a passing phase in our
constantly evolving language. Next, watch the TED Talk “Texting is killing language – JK!!!” by John
Mcwhorter; he examines texting, highlighting the rate and complexity of its impact on language. Finally,
write a response which analyses/discusses the following points:

 Jonah Berger states, “Language may seem like something that is out there in the world, but it is
constantly being shaped and refined by the ways our minds are built”. In his TED Talk,
Mcwhorter highlights the impact of technological advancements on how people communicate.
Using information taken directly from either the article or the TED talk, explain how the English
language and/or communication is evolving in our world.

 Are the arguments of Berger and Mcwhorter relevant and evident in your own life? How have
you watched language and communication evolve in your lifetime? What slang words have you
seen come and go? How will technology continue to change how we communicate? Use
concrete personal examples to support your position. (NOTE: You may use personal pronouns
for this part.)

Your assignment must be written in a formal tone. It must be double-spaced and conform to all rules of
MLA set up and formatting. All your writing must be in organized paragraphs. A two-paragraph response
is recommended; paragraphs must include a topic sentence, body and closing sentence.

Length: 500 words (Aim to be within 50 words of this limit – Be clear and concise)

Good Copy Due: Thursday Sept 14th

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Knowledge - shows limited
understanding of key
features of the article/TED
talk
Thinking - few analyses are logical
and insightful
- provides limited specific
and accurate detail to
support ideas and
interpretations
Communication - thoughts are
communicated with limited
clarity
- many errors in spelling
and/or grammar
Application - makes limited connections
with own experience
- limited use of MLA format
- shows some
understanding of key
features of the article/TED
talk
- some analyses are
logical and insightful
- provides some specific
and accurate detail to
support ideas and
interpretations
- thoughts are
communicated with some
clarity
- some errors in spelling
and/or grammar
- makes some connections
with own experience
- some use of MLA
format
- shows considerable
understanding of key
features of the article/TED
talk
- most analyses are logical
and insightful
- provides considerable
specific and accurate detail
to support ideas and
interpretations
- thoughts are
communicated with
considerable clarity
- few errors in spelling
and/or grammar
- makes effective
connections with own
experience
- considerable use of MLA
format
- shows thorough
understanding of key features
of the article/TED talk
- all analyses are logical and
insightful
- provides a high degree of
specific and accurate detail to
support ideas and
interpretations
- thoughts are communicated
with a high degree of clarity
- virtually no errors in spelling
and/or grammar
- makes highly effective
connections with own
experience
- highly effective use of MLA
format