Assignment 11: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay Part I Pr 761466

Assignment 11 Conflicting Viewpoints Essay Part Iprewritingwhen Lo

Engage in prewriting activities related to a controversial issue by selecting a topic, identifying opposition premises, and reflecting on their value through the "Believing Game" approach. Include an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs analyzing the opposition's premises with supporting sentences, and a concluding paragraph. Follow standard English rules, APA formatting, and include a cover page and references. Use complete sentences and organize your thoughts clearly.

Paper For Above instruction

In approaching contentious issues critically, it is essential to actively seek to understand opposing viewpoints, even those contrary to one's own beliefs. This exercise involves applying the "Believing Game," a method encouraging individuals to consider, believe, or at least entertain, the validity of reasons supporting opposing perspectives. The purpose of this prewriting activity is to stimulate empathetic engagement with different arguments, thereby fostering critical thinking and reducing biases. The process begins with selecting an issue from a provided list, followed by articulating a clear position on it. This step ensures that the writer has taken a firm stance, which will serve as a basis for examining contrasting opinions.

Next, the writer reviews the Procon.org website to identify three premises or reasons supporting the opposite side of their position. These premises reveal the logical structure and core justifications of opponents’ arguments, which are critical in understanding the broader debate. By analyzing these premises, the writer can prepare to question and reflect on their own assumptions. Once the premises are selected, the writer responds to three guided questions inspired by Elbow’s "Believing" method: (a) what is interesting or helpful about this opposing view; (b) what would I notice if I believed this view; and (c) under what conditions could this idea be true. These questions help to humanize and critically evaluate the opposition's arguments, facilitating a nuanced understanding rather than a dismissive stance.

The assignment emphasizes the importance of structured, organized writing. It requires an introductory paragraph that frames the issue and purpose, body paragraphs that analyze each opposition premise with supporting sentences, and a conclusion that summarizes insights and reflections. Proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and APA format are essential to ensuring clarity and professionalism. The overall goal is to develop critical reading, reflection, and writing skills that embrace multiple perspectives and reduce bias, laying the foundation for more comprehensive and balanced argumentative essays in the subsequent part of the assignment.

References

  • Elbow, P. (1986). Writing with Power: Techniques for Mastering the Writing Process. Oxford University Press.
  • Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment. https://www.insightassessment.com/Resources/Critical-Thinking-What-It-Is-and-Why-It-Counts
  • Kuhn, D. (2010). Education for thinking. Harvard University Press.
  • Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
  • Siegel, H. (1988). Reasoning about issues. Harvard Educational Review, 58(2), 185-204.
  • Norris, S. (1992). The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press.
  • Brookfield, S. (2012). Teaching for Critical Thinking: Tools and Technique to Help Students Question Their Assumptions. Jossey-Bass.
  • King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (1994). Developing Critical Thinkers: Practices and Processes. Jossey-Bass.
  • Facione, P. (1990). Critical Thinking: A Statement of Expert Consensus. The American Philosophical Association.
  • Pollock, J. L. (2012). Is this a Cowboy? A Critical Thinking About Critical Thinking. Open Court Publishing.

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