Unit 1.1 The Internet 1.27 Before doing this activity, put Text 1.4 to one side so that you cannot
look at it. You have 30 minutes to write a 150–250-word response to the following stimulus: ‘Google has so much information and is making it so easy for us to obtain it, that it discourages traditional avenues of learning, such as studying, doing one’s own field work, and taking classes.’ You may recognise this statement from Text 1.4. If you want to restate any ideas from Text 1.4 in your response, you may. This is not a test of your originality! Rather, you should focus on writing a coherent piece that uses language effectively. Perhaps you can remember how the authors of Text 1.4 stated their viewpoints by using language effectively?
1.28 Find out more about Sergy Brin and Larry Page. What were their
intentions when creating Google? To what extent have they accomplished these goals? What criticisms are made of Google today? After reading about Google and its founders, hold a ‘press conference’ in which you or another classmate are interviewed in the role of either Sergy Brin or Larry Page. Try to answer all questions as if you were those people.
T ip Activity 1.27 is the type of question that might appear in Section B of Paper 2 at higher level (see pages 302–4 for more detail). You can practise this form of assessment under different conditions. In this activity, you have the option of restating familiar ideas, so that you can focus on the form of your writing. Also notice that the stimulus is a controversial statement. You may find it helpful to practise with statements similar to this.
TOK The aim of TOK is to develop critical thinking skills. Define the following TOK terms and explain their relevance to the cartoon above. • critical thinking • wisdom • knowledge • certainty • authority workshop • reliability
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