Analyzing the Language of a Controversial Issue
The mark of an educated mind is to be able to entertain a thought without having to accept it. Unknown
If a book is false in its facts, disprove them; if false in its reasoning, refute it. But for Gods sake, let us freely hear both sides if we choose. -Thomas Jefferson, third US president (1743-1826)
Directions:
You may not write about gun control, as we will be using this topic for the discussion board.
You may also not adapt or use a paper you have written for another course. As stated in the syllabus, All work must be created solely for the purposes of this class and must be the students own.
Select a two-valued topic on which reasonable people might disagree. In other words, do not try to argue that murder is good, Hitler was a misunderstood genius, or that we should torture people for fun. Select a topic that has strong arguments for each perspective.
The Opposing Viewpoints database has many topics you can browse for ideas. Access the database by clicking on the ADP Library tab in Blackboard (by the Webmail and My Courses tabs) and then Opposing Viewpoints.
What to Write: A Title page, An Abstract, 8 Paragraphs, and a Reference Page
APA title page
An Abstract. In APA, the abstract is a summary of the paper. Make sure you are accounting for the whole of your paper, and not just summarizing the beginning. The best abstracts are not overly general; they give a reader a summary of the major points throughout a paper.
Write a paragraph describing one sides position / beliefs on the argument. Label it VIEW #1s BELIEFS. I should not be able to tell how you feel about this view.
Write a second paragraph describing the other sides position / beliefs on the argument. Label it VIEW #2s BELIEFS. I should not be able to tell how you feel about this view either.
Strive to deliver both positions with equal passion, clarity, deliberation, and supported logic. After reading both paragraphs, I should not be able to tell which is the position you hold, and there should not be a bias from you towards or against either position. The views of the positions themselves, will obviously be biased towards their own beliefs.
Write a third paragraph that explains what the simple conflict is really about. For example, what definitions is the argument about? The definition of safety, life, murder, marriage, freedom, human, etc. You might also discuss the different ideas, beliefs, and perceptions this argument is really about. Label it THIS SIMPLE CONFLICT IS REALLY ABOUT
Write a fourth and fifth paragraph. Label this section ANALYZING VIEW #1s LANGUAGE CHOICES. These paragraphs should discuss at least two of the following bulleted questions as they apply to View #1. Throughout these paragraphs, you should also bold the course terms you are discussing.
An analysis requires you to look at specific examples of language use. You may either write about things youve heard said by this position (i.e., Ive heard people say, Guns dont kill people; people kill people and Thoughts and prayers are not enough.) Or, you will need to locate specific examples of what this position has said. This might take the form of articles, newspapers, magazines, headlines, images, videos, etc. Just be sure that you cite this material, and its clear where your examples are coming from (something youve heard in general or a specific source).
The Opposing Viewpoints database has materials you can use to locate examples of each positions language use. Access the database by clicking on the ADP Library tab in Blackboard (by the Webmail and My Courses tabs) and then Opposing Viewpoints.
Does this view rely on an intensional or extensional orientation when making their argument? Or, do they use a combination of both orientations?
How does this view use language to slant their or their opponents position?
How does this view use either snarl words, purr words, loaded words or words with built-in judgments to make their position seem favorable or their opponents position unfavorable?
What inferences does this view make?
In what ways does this view use abstraction to make their case or attack their opponents case?
In what ways does this view use report language?
In what ways does this view use a multi-valued orientation?
How does this view use directives to influence what people do?
How does this view use classification to make their position stronger or their opponents weaker?
Write a sixth and seventh paragraph. Label this section ANALYZING VIEW #2s LANGUAGE CHOICES. These paragraphs should discuss at least two of the following bulleted questions as they apply to View #2. Throughout these paragraphs, you should also bold the course terms you are discussing.
The same criteria apply for the specific examples of language use.
Does this view rely on an intensional or extensional orientation when making their argument? Or, do they use a combination of both orientat
