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Week 4 Ambiguity.pptx

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Michelle Kassorla
Michelle Kassorla

This document discusses ambiguity in writing and provides guidance on identifying and addressing ambiguous terms, phrases, or language. It defines ambiguity as unclear or multiple possible meanings of a word or phrase. It advises readers to carefully define terms, provide context, and check for understanding to avoid ambiguity. Examples are given of ambiguous terms like "freedom" and situations where context is needed to determine meaning, like determining the definition of "human rights" based on the author's background. The document also warns of loaded or emotionally appealing language intended to influence the reader.

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Asking the Right Questions Week 4 What Words or Phrases are Ambiguous
HELPFUL WEBSITE FOR CHAPTER 5 http://critical-readings.blogspot.com/2010/10/guide-to-critical-reading-what-words-or.html
What does the word ambiguous mean? A term or phrase is ambiguous when its meaning is unclear It is the existence of multiple meanings of a word or phrase
Tourism is getting out of control. Tourism can be good for the economy, but it can also harm the locale and its residents. We need to do more to regulate tourism. If we keep allowing these people to do whatever they please, surely we as residents will suffer.
The Confusing Flexibility of Words The English language is very complicated Words can have multiple meanings in different context
Examples of Ambiguous Terms Freedom, patriotism, obscenity, rich, poor, etc
Checking for Ambiguity Do I understand the meaning ?
OURBRAND SLEEP AID: WORKS GREAT IN JUST 30 MIN!!! WHAT IS THE AMBIGUOUS TERM/PHRASE? Issue: What sleep aid should you buy? Conclusion (implied): Buy OurBrand Sleep Aid
No-Pain is the extra strength pain reliever How to find and keep a good man
Determining Ambiguity Remember to begin by identifying the issue, conclusion, and reasons.
example We absolutely must put limits on tanning. Tanning is a substantial health risk with severe consequences. Studies have shown that those who tan are at a higher risk of skin diseases as a result of tanning.
CONTEXT AND AMBIGUITY
Context!!!! Look at the writers background Look at traditional uses of the term within the controversy Look at the words or phrases around the possible ambiguity
Example: Lets say you found the words human rights in an essay You should automatically think what rights are those.
Her Definition of human rights Her definition of human rights would differ from ours. She had in mind: to be employed, receive free health care, and obtain adequate housing.
Example The amusement park has given great satisfaction to most of its customers. More than half of the people surveyed agreed that the park had a wide variety of games and rides and that they would return to the park soon.
Ambiguity, Definitions, and the Dictionary The meaning of terms should come in three forms: Synonyms, examples, or definition by specific criteria Ex. Anxiety feeling nervous, the candidate is nervous, or it is when a feeling of discomfort and increased sensitivity of the nervous system
Using a Dictionary Definitions are not always helpful when clearing up ambiguity
example The quality of education at this university is not declining. In my interviews, I found that an overwhelming majority of the students and instructors who responded saw no decline in the quality of education here.
When looking up quality in the dictionary. . . It shows excellence or superiority These are synonyms that, unfortunately, lead us to uncertainty You must go back to searching the authors background
Ambiguity and Loaded Language Certain words/phrases have strong emotional meanings They are used to pull you in Loaded language is usually ambiguous Be aware-it is appealing to your emotions
A Few Examples. . . Which do you believe is a greater threat to society: global warming or climate change? Would you be more likely to vote for tax relief rather than a tax cut? Would you be more willing to vote for the reduction of death taxes than estate taxes?
Limits You cannot catch or correct all ambiguity If we have searched and asked critical questions and still have questions, we must set aside the argument
Ambiguity in your writing Avoid ambiguity in your reasoning Carefully define terms for your audience Provide specific examples Never assume your audience knows

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Week 4 Ambiguity.pptx

  • 1. Asking the Right Questions Week 4 What Words or Phrases are Ambiguous
  • 2. HELPFUL WEBSITE FOR CHAPTER 5 http://critical-readings.blogspot.com/2010/10/guide-to-critical-reading-what-words-or.html
  • 3. What does the word ambiguous mean? A term or phrase is ambiguous when its meaning is unclear It is the existence of multiple meanings of a word or phrase
  • 4. Tourism is getting out of control. Tourism can be good for the economy, but it can also harm the locale and its residents. We need to do more to regulate tourism. If we keep allowing these people to do whatever they please, surely we as residents will suffer.
  • 5. The Confusing Flexibility of Words The English language is very complicated Words can have multiple meanings in different context
  • 6. Examples of Ambiguous Terms Freedom, patriotism, obscenity, rich, poor, etc
  • 7. Checking for Ambiguity Do I understand the meaning ?
  • 8. OURBRAND SLEEP AID: WORKS GREAT IN JUST 30 MIN!!! WHAT IS THE AMBIGUOUS TERM/PHRASE? Issue: What sleep aid should you buy? Conclusion (implied): Buy OurBrand Sleep Aid
  • 9. No-Pain is the extra strength pain reliever How to find and keep a good man
  • 10. Determining Ambiguity Remember to begin by identifying the issue, conclusion, and reasons.
  • 11. example We absolutely must put limits on tanning. Tanning is a substantial health risk with severe consequences. Studies have shown that those who tan are at a higher risk of skin diseases as a result of tanning.
  • 13. Context!!!! Look at the writers background Look at traditional uses of the term within the controversy Look at the words or phrases around the possible ambiguity
  • 14. Example: Lets say you found the words human rights in an essay You should automatically think what rights are those.
  • 15. Her Definition of human rights Her definition of human rights would differ from ours. She had in mind: to be employed, receive free health care, and obtain adequate housing.
  • 16. Example The amusement park has given great satisfaction to most of its customers. More than half of the people surveyed agreed that the park had a wide variety of games and rides and that they would return to the park soon.
  • 17. Ambiguity, Definitions, and the Dictionary The meaning of terms should come in three forms: Synonyms, examples, or definition by specific criteria Ex. Anxiety feeling nervous, the candidate is nervous, or it is when a feeling of discomfort and increased sensitivity of the nervous system
  • 18. Using a Dictionary Definitions are not always helpful when clearing up ambiguity
  • 19. example The quality of education at this university is not declining. In my interviews, I found that an overwhelming majority of the students and instructors who responded saw no decline in the quality of education here.
  • 20. When looking up quality in the dictionary. . . It shows excellence or superiority These are synonyms that, unfortunately, lead us to uncertainty You must go back to searching the authors background
  • 21. Ambiguity and Loaded Language Certain words/phrases have strong emotional meanings They are used to pull you in Loaded language is usually ambiguous Be aware-it is appealing to your emotions
  • 22. A Few Examples. . . Which do you believe is a greater threat to society: global warming or climate change? Would you be more likely to vote for tax relief rather than a tax cut? Would you be more willing to vote for the reduction of death taxes than estate taxes?
  • 23. Limits You cannot catch or correct all ambiguity If we have searched and asked critical questions and still have questions, we must set aside the argument
  • 24. Ambiguity in your writing Avoid ambiguity in your reasoning Carefully define terms for your audience Provide specific examples Never assume your audience knows