Writing acceptable commentaries on items of conservation significance in conservation magazines, in the newspaper, or in other material is a way for you to earn extra points in this course. They also can be an incentive to read, think, and write about contemporary conservation issues and gain a fuller measure from the text and course material.

DOING COMMENTARIES IS STRICTLY OPTIONAL.

REQUIREMENTS. Each commentary must be typed/word processed. Length must be 1-2 (not more) double-spaced pages with margins no more than 1 inch and font not >12 pt. Your name, the source, and the format you are using (see below) must be in the upper right corner of the first page. For newspaper articles include a xerox; for conservation magazines include the magazine issue and article title. Write your commentary in good English. Proofread carefully. Use your own words. Do not quote from the reading unless a phrase is especially unique or critical to your message. Always put quotes in quotation marks. If you refer to something additional such as the textbook (and this will help strengthen your report) cite page numbers of the references you are including. Do not simply repeat the content or selected segments in paraphrased or rearranged sentences; doing so will earn few, if any, points. You are not to write a summary of contents; you are to comment on the contents.

Your purpose is to convey in a serious, non-cursory way the gist of the reading and its importance. To that end your commentary should be in one of the following formats:

1. Personal reaction A critique on the usefulness of the news item to you as a student. Did it excite, satisfy, or dissatisfy you? Did it introduce you to new topics or concepts or enlarge your understanding of familiar ones? Did it relate well to a point in the course? (You will need to find where it's referenced in the text.) Support your view with specific examples and reasons, e.g., why you as a student found it exciting or weak. Personalize your account; use "I".

2. Ecology relevance An account that summarizes (in your words) how the article covers the relevant ecology principle. Express new insights or information that you gained from the passage and that you want to remember and to convey to others. Note why those points reinforced your understanding of conservation ecology. What was so important as to be worth remembering and passing on. Who specifically do you want to tell and why? Do not simply restate the contents.

EVALUATION AND LIMITS. You may turn in commentaries at any class meeting through Dec. 3. You may write three for a maximum of 9 points total. After the first exam you may write only two and after exam II you are permitted to write only one commentary. Each one can earn up to 3 points. Points will be added on after your grade so gaining 9 points will mean your final point total may be 349 vs. 340 (difference of A vs. B final grade). The three criteria and point value for evaluation of your commentary will be:

1 pt - successfully addressing the item chosen, and thoroughness of effort

1 pt - accuracy and indicated understanding

1 pt - literacy, appearance, and adherence to specifications .