Engage with issues of technology and diversity in American culture
To recognize an author’s engagement with rhetorical strategy
To practice analyzing and synthesizing information
To practice writing a clear and accurate summary and analysis
To become familiar with memo genre conventions
To practice constructing effective sentences (Chapter 10)
To practice revising for concision and clarity
Instructions
You will be writing a memo as if you are an employee of a start-up company that is about to undergo a rapid
expansion. You have received a memo from your company president asking for recommendations about how
to increase diversity as the company recruits new employees.
https://app.box.com/s/hlgdsdaj1l96nm1831v536tctcf7mx17
iNova Profile (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
https://app.box.com/s/f0a26fophxlh5d84a4ygwmr5lqzhpl33
You must cite a minimum of 3 sources in your memo. Carefully read each article (take notes, capture specific
quotes or information) and prepare a memo that engages with the content of the articles. Your memo should be
two to three (2-3) pages in length, should provide evidence to support your recommendation from the chosen
articles, demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical strategies used by each author, and use these sources
to connect the specific recommendations to broader issues Though incorporating multiple articles, the memo
should demonstrate a synthesis of the information contained in the articles.
As you read the articles, identify questions or gaps in your understanding of the issue. Is there information you
would like to know that is not included in the article? Are there opposing views? These questions will help you
find your additional article. Spend 15-20 minutes searching for answers to those questions or additional
information that will help you form your response. If the article cites outside sources, start there! As you go,
take notes, and keep track of your sources.
Your memo should include a clear statement of purpose and use both headings and bullets to increase its
readability. You may use whatever headings/subheadings you feel appropriate.
Your memo must contain 2-3 specific recommendations for policies or practices that your company should
adopt in order to increase diversity in the workplace and retain employees from a variety of backgrounds.
Support these recommendations using citations from the articles and other research that you carry out.
Consider possible counter arguments and address potential problems (with solutions). Your recommendation
should use multiple sources and arguments to support your recommendation.
Things to keep in mind as you draft your memo:
Follow appropriate memo conventions as discussed in class. Be sure to include general headings with a
specific, pertinent subject line and a clear statement of purpose introducing the report and its sections. Address
your memo to Alan Smithee, CEO of iNova.
Remember that in order to write a coherent summary you must understand the content of the original source
and be able to identify the main points and evidence for or illustrations of those points. Take careful notes.
Provide specific evidence to support any claims you make. Be thoughtful in your analysis. Cite your sources
using APA format.
Use bullets and/or numbers as appropriate to convey information to your audience.
You should maintain a formal tone in your memo, but can use first person as necessary. Avoid “you” and
consider whether your word configurations weaken your claims (I feel, I believe, etc.).
Be sure to cite any information you quote or paraphrase and include a references list at the end of your memo
(it does not need to be a separate page). Use APA citations for both in-text citations and the references list.
Sample Solution
