The purpose of this assignment is to critically examine the various perspectives that surround the social concern you chose in CT1.  In an effort to become an informed and critical citizen, we need to look at issues from many different perspectives.  This assignment is intended to guide you through the process of carefully thinking through an issue.  This assignment is a low stakes assignment intended to prepare you for the body of your Critical Thinking Paper.  Below is the basic framework for the assignment.  Be sure to refer to the rubric while constructing this assignment.

Research:  Research and find legitimate (reputable and informed) source(s) to support your position.  Research and find legitimate (reputable and informed) source(s) against your position.  

Paragraph 1:  Write the strongest argument supporting your position. Properly (using MLA or APA) CITE each source. 

Paragraph 2:  Write a response (a rebuttal) to the argument you presented in Paragraph 1.

Paragraph 3:  Write the strongest argument against your position. Be charitable and unbiased with the presentation of this position. Properly (using MLA or APA) CITE each source. 

Paragraph 4:  Write a response (a rebuttal) to the argument from your position.

Think of this assignment as if it is a conversation between two people with differing perspectives.  The conversation begins with a "person" presenting an argument by providing evidence and reason to believe a certain thing about the world (Paragraph 1).  Paragraph 2 is a "person" that disagrees and provides an alternative way to understand the evidence and reasons presented to support the argument in Paragraph 1.  The "person" that argues in Paragraph 2 continues by presenting the strongest argument to believe their way of looking at the issue (Paragraph 3).  In Paragraph 4, the person that began the conversation provides an alternative way to understand the evidence and reason presented to support the argument in Paragraph 3.

It is a back and forth conversation. There should not be a conclusion.  No conclusion should be made.  The point of the assignment is to examine an issue from various perspectives without making a judgment.  In the following assignment, CT3, you will determine which perspective is most convincing and explain why.