Yiyang Chen wrote “Altruism in Hypothetical and Statistical Situations” in Spring 2013 for the second major assignment, a comparative analysis, for WR 098. For this assignment, students analyze aspects of similarity and/or difference in any two texts from our set readings; the assignment requires an interesting, not obvious claim, a demonstration of critical reading and a purposeful structure suitable to the type of comparison made. These aims are well demonstrated in Yiyang’s final draft, which compares two discussions of altruism: Garrett Hardin’s “Lifeboat Ethics” and Peter Singer’s “The Singer Solution to World Poverty.”
What cannot be seen from this final version is the process Yiyang went through to arrive at this critical and insightful analysis. Initially, the thesis was a statement of what the essay would achieve: an analysis of the two texts. However, through self and peer revision, Yiyang was able to identify the claim she had implied but not yet specified: inaccuracies can lead readers to false conclusions. A particular strength of her claim, and the essay as a whole, is that it not only demonstrates her strengths as a critical reader, but also that it discusses the importance of critical reading. Additionally, through revision, Yiyang was able to develop a strong structure which allowed her to present her ideas more clearly and effectively. The concept of a naysayer was introduced in the course at the same time this piece was in development; Yiyang was able to apply that concept effectively to demonstrate her development as a thinker and a writer within a broader conversation. Her work contributes not only to discussions of altruism, but also to discussions of the importance of critical reading.
— JENNIFER SIA
WR 098: Introduction to College Reading and Writing in English