HowStuffWorks.com

Have you ever wondered how a boomerang flies or why a diamond is so valuable?  HowStuffWorks.com, a huge categorized database started by mechanical engineer/teacher Marshall Brain, is committed to answering hundreds of questions like these.  Type any keyword into the search engine and HowStuffWorks.com will hunt through its own content and the Web to find the information you need. A fun way to get a feel for the site is to browse through archives like "Cool Stuff," "Top Ten Questions," and "Gadget of the Day."  Visit the forum to learn more about and discuss a variety of topics with experts and site members.

HowStuffWorks.com's essays are easy-to-read, well-organized, and printable. Many of them include animated diagrams, links to topic-related essays on the site, and links to other relevant websites.  All of the essays rely on Process as the dominant method of development.  Notice how each of the writers seeks to explain how something works—no matter how complex that process might

be—with simplicity, precision, and thoroughness. In addition to keeping the material understandable, the writers must make it engaging and entertaining.   As you read about the process each writer describes, pay attention to his or her writing process.



Visit HowStuffWorks.com

Q & A

1. Under "Super Categories" choose "Money."  When the new page comes up, scroll down until you find "How Stocks and the Stock Market Works."  Click on the title and read the article by Marshall Brain.  As you read, notice how Brain uses chronological order as his primary organizing principle.  Is this organizing principle effective?  Why or why not?



2.  Read any article on the site, then click on "Rate this Article."  Choose one of the multiple-choice ratings and explain your choice in the "Comments" box.  After you submit your rating, summarize the article and your rating process for your instructor in the text box below.



Submit your answers.

Either print your answers out for submission or email them to your instructor.