Assignment: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay Part I Prewriting

Assignment Conflicting Viewpoints Essay Part Iprewritingwhen Lookin

Identify the core assignment: engaging in prewriting for a conflicting viewpoints essay, which involves selecting an issue, examining opposing premises, and reflecting on the reasons behind them through critical thinking exercises. The task requires analyzing one approved issue, gathering reasons from the Procon.org website opposing your position, and critically reflecting on these reasons using questions inspired by Elbow’s Believing Game. The assignment emphasizes organized writing with an introduction, body, and conclusion, proper formatting, and adherence to grammar and citation standards.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of critically engaging with conflicting viewpoints is essential for developing nuanced understanding and fostering open-mindedness. This assignment, divided into two parts, guides students through the stages of prewriting and synthesizing their thoughts regarding a specific issue. The initial stage involves selecting one issue from a given list, articulating one's own position, and then examining three premises opposing that position found on Procon.org, a reputable source of debate and argumentation. Critical reflection is emphasized through questioning the merits and potential truths of opposing reasons, which is inspired by Elbow’s “Believing Game.”

In the prewriting phase, students must articulate their stance clearly, ensuring their understanding of the opposing arguments. They analyze three premises opposing their view, answering questions such as: What is interesting or helpful about this opposing view? What might I notice if I believed this view? Under what conditions could this opposing idea be true? These reflections help students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, which is vital for robust academic debate and critical thinking.

Additionally, students are instructed to adhere to academic formatting standards: double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, 1-inch margins, and proper APA citations. The inclusion of a cover page and proper references underscores the importance of academic integrity and structured writing. The first part of the assignment prepares students for the subsequent synthesis essay, where they will present their own supported stance, supported by reasons and reflections gleaned from this prewriting exercise.

In conclusion, this prewriting phase aims to cultivate critical thinking skills, empathy, and clarity in argumentation. By actively considering opposing premises through structured reflection questions, students enhance their ability to engage thoughtfully with complex issues, ultimately leading to more balanced and persuasive argumentative essays.

Conflicting Viewpoints Essay – Part II: Synthesizing and Writing

Building upon the prewriting process, the second part of the assignment requires students to compose a comprehensive 3-4 page essay that synthesizes their ideas and reflections. The essay must clearly state their own position on the issue, supported by three premises from the Procon.org website that reinforce their stance. They must also explain why these reasons were chosen, demonstrate their understanding of opposition by responding to the “believing” questions about opposing premises, and explore biases that may influence their thinking.

Furthermore, students are expected to examine how their cultural background or group affiliations have shaped their perceptions and biases concerning the issue. The reflective component asks students whether their thinking has evolved through the exercise of the “Believing Game,” regardless of whether their position has changed. The structured essay should begin with an introduction, followed by well-organized body paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details, and conclude with a summary of insights gained. Attention to grammar, mechanics, proper citations in APA format, and a clean layout will ensure clarity and academic rigor.

This assignment encourages students not only to articulate and defend their viewpoints but also to understand and appreciate opposing perspectives by critically examining reasons and underlying biases. The goal is to foster sophisticated, empathetic, and well-supported arguments that demonstrate both critical thinking and self-awareness, essential skills for academic and real-world engagement with complex issues.

References

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