In this week’s discussion, we’re going to critically examine arguments by applyi
In this week’s discussion, we’re going to critically examine arguments by applying the full range of concepts that we’ve learned so far in the course.
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In preparation for your initial post, choose one of the following questions:
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– Are pit bulls dangerous?
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– Do video games cause aggressive behavior in children?
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– Are fast food restaurants responsible for the obesity epidemic?
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– Do reality TV shows have a negative influence on society?
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– Is recycling an effective solution to waste management?
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Then, find one source that provides an argument that answers the question. It doesn’t matter which side the source takes, or even whether you agree with the argument. The source does not need to be scholarly or academic – in fact, it might be more fun if it’s not. You also don’t necessarily need to agree with the argument – again, it might even be more fun if you don’t agree with it, to present what you recognize as bad arguments and see how your classmates respond to them.
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For the actual initial post:
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Simply summarize the source’s argument using to the following model:
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– Conclusion:
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– Premise:
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– Sub-premise:
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– Premise:
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– Sub-premise:
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Note that not all arguments will necessarily follow that model exactly – some may only offer one major premise, some may offer several, some may offer premises but no sub-premises that support the premises, and so on. You can adjust the model to match your source’s argument, but the priority is on providing a clear, accurate, in-depth, and well-structured summary of that argument.
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Be sure to provide a citation for your source using proper APA formatting.
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Here’s an example of what an initial post might look like:
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Conclusion: Standardized tests can be a useful tool to measure intelligence when used appropriately, since they provide objective data to evaluate academic performance and cognitive skills.
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Premise 1: Standardized tests offer a consistent and objective method of assessment.
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Sub-premise 1: Standardized tests are developed and scored by professionals, reducing the possibility of bias or subjectivity that might be present in other forms of evaluation, such as teacher assessments or project-based evaluations.
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Premise 2: Standardized tests can provide valuable insights into educational trends and student performance.
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Sub-premise 2: Data collected from standardized tests can be used to identify areas where students or schools may be struggling, allowing for targeted interventions and improvements in educational practices.
