As you read Chapter 1 of The Information, you will encounter the above phrases (or approximations to them). Each deals with an aspect of encoding information:
Write an outline for a 1-2 page essay that would, if written, take two or more of the listed phrases as points of departure to explain fundamental aspects of information theory.
To complete this assignment successfully, you need to decide what the main points of the essay will be, then decide how to organize the essay so that it makes those points in a logical way.
Note: the sympathetic needles reference is actually a problem for which Gleick does not provide a solution. If you choose that phrase, you should design an essay that explains what the problem is, and offers a workable solution. Don’t pick this option unless you have an idea for a workable solution.
And, yes, you will be writing the essay next week. But do not write the essay yet, just the outline. The outline itself will be very short, probably just one line per paragraph of the essay. But preparing a good outline will take time and thought.