Overview. In this brief essay, you will choose one of the issue statements below and write about the issue using the topics of critical thinking we have learned so far. (Note: In Paper 2 due Week 5 you will work with this issue again, so choose a topic you have interest in.)
In your essay you will need to:
1. Discuss multiple perspectives (stances or positions).
2. Identify possible obstacles to critical thinking for you and others when discussing this topic.
3. Identify as many assumptions as you can think of associated with the issue (explicit and implict).
4. Make a list of questions that a critical thinker would ask about this subject, and why they would want to have them answered before coming to a conclusion.
5. Finally, very briefly explain and reflect on the pros and cons of the stances, which stance you lean towards right now, and why you feel this way.
Issues (choose one):
a. Colleges with large athletic programs should pay student athletes a salary or stipend.
b. Bicyclists/motorcyclists should be required by law to wear helmets.
c. Teachers should have the right to carry concealed firearms in schools.
d. Smoking should be prohibited on all college campuses including in all buildings and outdoors.
e. College students should have the right to request alternative assignments from their professors if class material is offensive or traumatic.
f. Health care should be provided to everyone regardless of ability of patients to pay.
h. Climate change should be a top priority for government and corporate policies.
i. Businesses should accommodate those with emotional support animals as well as traditional service animals.
j. Students who performed poorly or were dissatisfied in 2020/2021 due to online learning during the pandemic should have the right retake classes without penalty.
k. When mandated for the health and safety of the public, people should wear masks during a global pandemic
l. Topic of your choice (it is strongly suggested you email, text, or message the instructor for approval if you are choosing your own topic.)
Content. A full discussion about an issue chosen from this list in which you discuss what people believe, what obstacles to critical thinking are present, what questions people might need answered, and where you fall in the discussion.
Style, Length, and Related Matters.
Your finished essay should be 500-1000 words in length (approximately 2-4 pages) and must be in MLA format with a works cited and in-text citations (if needed).
Grading. This assignment will be given a letter grade A-F. Assessment will focus on the following criteria.
Your essay should demonstrate a critical thinking approach to this issue.
Your essay should reflect an academic form of writing with the purpose to inform.
Your essay should be organized appropriately with an introduction that explains the issue, a brief overview of the stances possible on this issue, a section identifying the obstacles to critical thinking specific to this issue, a section discussing any assumptions in the issue statement or stances, the challenges this debate presents for people who are trying to come to a conclusion about it, and very brief discussion which states your current stance, and why you feel that way.
Your prose should be clear, readable, and engaging, and it should be generally free of error.
This is a critical response with a goal to inform and demonstrate critical thinking of an issue. Your essay should 1) Introduce the issue and explain what it is. 2) Offer a glance into the possible positions/stances one can take on this issue. 3) Identify obstacles to critical thinking in this discussion 4) Identify assumptions 5 )List questions a critical thinker would ask in order to understand this issue 6) Briefly reflect on your current position and why you feel that way.
If your essay contains outside sources, include a works cited page and in-text citation.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]