Learning
How to be a Critical Thinker
Demand Evidence!
It is so important to be able to examine all sides of an issue so you can write a convincing essay that supports your thesis statement. Therefore, your next assignment will allow you to explore both sides of a social issue, and then choose what you believe to be the most compelling evidence to support your opinion.
Use a minimum of six different sources of information to determine whether the thesis statements below are true, false, or somewhere in between. Site your sources and provide direct quotes to support your thesis statement.
What do you think based on your research?
Violence on video games makes young people more prone to violent behaviour.
Violence on video games does not make young people more prone to violent behaviour.
Violence on video games might make young people more prone to violent behaviour under specific circumstances.
One side of the argument:
1)News Article Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
2)News Article Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
3)Research Paper Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
The other side of the argument:
1)Research Paper Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
2)Research Paper Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
3)Research Paper Internet Source:
Provide a direct quote:
In your own words,
a) Write your thesis statement
b) Provide compelling evidence to support both sides of the issue..
c) Elaborate. What are the short and long term consequences or implications associated with your final thesis statement. What may or may not happen in society.
For example:
- crime rate might go up
- crime rate will stay the same
- some people should receive guidance so they do not make the wrong decisions
WARNING!: Something interesting might happen. Based on your research, you might change your mind about this issue a number of times before you decide on your final thesis statement. There is no need to be alarmed. This will only help you to cement your final opinion. Do not run out of the room screaming. You may even change your mind as you grow older and wiser. This is natural. You see, we are cursed with big brains, and it is our destiny.
I'm sorry, what did you say? A PowerPoint presentation, for this assignment? What an intriguing idea. Let's talk, shall we? The first step is is research and note-taking.