California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Latest update: February 8, 1999
Faculty on the Site.

Sample Comments

Risky Promises Exercise Sample

Using the Comments

Introduction to Using the Comments
connected knowing separate knowing conclusionary
argument coherent shared jargon creative application

Connecting Theory to Positions on Argument

This page is designed to give you samples of the most likely comments I expect to make, based on past contributions, and I will add new comment categories as I find them happening. I will also add new linked samples to the Record Sheets as you begin to send in assignments this semester. jeanne

As we attempt to write together the story of your learning, we need to be aware of "conclusionary" statements. When you answer questions or contribute information through e-mails, a common response I make will be "conclusionary." What I mean by that is that you have not given me enough information for me to be able to draw my own conclusions. You have simply given me your conclusion. That doesn't leave me much to argue with, because I don't have your supporting arguments and facts.

We all make conclusionary statements. Me, too.

Example:

I just went back to one of the juvenile justice exercises on status offenses, and found the following information that I had written:

"Boys' delinquent careers go on longer than girls. They are more likely to stay involved in delinquent behavior. Girls are far more likely to be "one-time delinquents."

Now, if you had written that answer, how would I know that you really know that? Did you cite the sources of your information? (Did I? Well, in the question, yes. But not in the answer.)

Notice how I tried to make my statement more effective:

"Boys' delinquent careers go on longer than girls. They are more likely to stay involved in delinquent behavior. Girls are far more likely to be "one-time delinquents." This information has been gleaned from research report statistics, from FBI crime reports, and from studies using self-reported surveys."

That's not wonderful, but it certainly would give us all a better idea that I have based the statement on actual research materials. I didn't just make it up.

It really isn't wonderful. That's what editing is about. Making it more effective communication. But for a very short answer, it gives me some facts to go with the conclusions you have stated.

Another example can be found on the Record Sheet for Introductory Statistics, the sample e-mail for letting me know that you know how to use the taskbar. Taskbar E-mail.