Suggestions for Writing

1. In paragraph 3, Gould asserts that “[n]umbers, by themselves, specify nothing. All depends upon what you do with them.” Support, challenge, or qualify Gould’s assertion by referring to statistics used in science, politics, economics, sports, or another applicable field.

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Suggestions for Writing: In paragraph 3, Gould asserts that “[n]umbers, by themselves, specify nothing. All depends upon what you do with them.” Support, challenge, or qualify Gould’s assertion by referring to statistics used in science, politics, economics, sports, or another applicable field.
2. Find an essay written for a specialized audience (for example, an essay about technology in a scientific journal or a computer magazine). Rewrite it for a more general audience.

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Suggestions for Writing: Find an essay written for a specialized audience (for example, an essay about technology in a scientific journal or a computer magazine). Rewrite it for a more general audience.
3. In paragraph 13, Gould refers to “a general theory that supported contemporary social distinctions as biologically ordained” in the late nineteenth century. In the twenty-first century, many continue to argue for nature over nurture—that is, for biology rather than socialization—as the causal agent for skills and talents of specific groups of people. Write an essay explaining whether you believe heredity or environment is the principal determinant of human characteristics. You may use yourself as an example and may cite Gould’s essay, but you should also do research in other sources to explore how the nature-nurture debate has fared in particular historical contexts.

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Suggestions for Writing: In paragraph 13, Gould refers to “a general theory that supported contemporary social distinctions as biologically ordained” in the late nineteenth century. In the twenty-first century, many continue to argue for nature over nurture—that is, for biology rather than socialization—as the causal agent for skills and talents of specific groups of people. Write an essay explaining whether you believe heredity or environment is the principal determinant of human characteristics. You may use yourself as an example and may cite Gould’s essay, but you should also do research in other sources to explore how the nature-nurture debate has fared in particular historical contexts.
4. Write an essay using scientific data to develop an argument that has ethical or social implications. For example, use statistical data to make (a) a case about the impact of global warming or (b) a proposal to address what is being called the obesity epidemic in the United States. Frame the essay with a quotation (as Gould does), a description, or an anecdote.

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Suggestions for Writing: Write an essay using scientific data to develop an argument that has ethical or social implications. For example, use statistical data to make (a) a case about the impact of global warming or (b) a proposal to address what is being called the obesity epidemic in the United States. Frame the essay with a quotation (as Gould does), a description, or an anecdote.
5. Consider another myth or stereotype about women based on biology that has prevailed at some point in history—perhaps one that continues to have some credibility, such as women are more emotional, more intuitive, better at child care, or worse at math and science. Write an argument challenging the myth by using scientific evidence.

   Chapter 8 - Women’s Brains - Suggestions for Writing: Consider another myth or stereotype about women based on biology that has prevailed at some point in history—perhaps one that continues to have some credibility, such as women are more emotional, more intuitive, better at child care, or worse at math and science. Write an argument challenging the myth by using scientific evidence.