This short assignment will consist of one of the following:

“Letter to the Editor”/Response

• This doesn’t need to actually be a letter to the editor, but is rather a response to a news piece, blog post, or other piece of media portraying an NLP task in some way.
• Goals:
  • Highlight:
    • What you feel was incorrect or framed in a wrong way
    • A facet of the task that was not given adequate discussion
  • Offer a recommendation or alternative point of view
• Helpful resource:
  • Union of Concerned Scientists: Writing an Effective Letter to the Editor

Op-Ed

• This option will be you presenting some kind of call to action, or proposal for policy.
  • For instance, making a case for extending human subjects protections to social media.
• Goals:
  • Have a specific action or policy you are arguing for or against.
  • If pro:
    • Motivate why this policy is needed, and how it could be implemented.
  • If con:
    • Motivate why this policy is notneeded, and identify an alternative.
• Helpful resource:
  • Union of Concerned Scientists: Writing Op-Eds

Tech Explanation/Tutorial

• This option will be taken if you would like to practice explaining an NLP technology to a lay audience.
• Goals:
  • Define the NLP task you want to explain.
  • Define the audience you are intending to address
  • Address any common misunderstandings, or risks that the audience should be aware of.

Requirements for All Options:

• In the ballpark of 700-1,500 words. (~1.5-3 pages, single-spaced).
  • (If you can make your case in slightly less space, that’s fine too)
• This should not be technical writing, but be sure to cite sources (via hyperlink, if convenient).
• Are all the goals addressed for your option?

Grading will be based on the requirements above, clarify of writing, and connection to the course material.