De ne Your Issue
Topic Exploration
Access the Opposing Viewpoints database by
by either following the link or going to the CMS
Library web clip on your desktop. Take some
time to explore the “Browse Issues” of the
database and nd at least 5 current event
issues/topics that look interesting to you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Arti cial intelligence
Drones
Gambling
Political corruption
Corporate corruption
Topic Selection
Out of the list above select one topic that you would like to research and provide some
information about it.
Re ection: Why is this issue important? Why
should people care about it? Explain in a
minimum of 2 sentences.
Topic Chosen
Arti cial intelligence has the potential to
destroy the world or possibly make it a
better place. The ways it could be used
should be disputed/discussed.
Arti cial intelligence
Impact: Does this topic have primarily a
global, national, or local impact?
Global
National
Local
Do you need to narrow down your topic?
Sometimes the topics that we initially choose are too broad or general and therefore become
too overwhelming to research. For instance, if you research pollution you will be quickly
overwhelmed and pulled in multiple directions when you try to search for information on the
topic. It would instead be much more manageable to focus on a speci c type, cause, and/or
location of the pollution, like air pollution due to wild res in California or plastic waste in
oceans.
Take a look at your topic and even try a Google search on it. Is it too general and need to
narrowed down? Ask and seek help if you are unsure
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Background Research
You have chosen an issue that is controversial and is debated. People may disagree about the best
way to address a problem, the scope or importance of the problem, or maybe even if the problem is
actually a problem. In this task you will conduct some background research on your topic in order to
determine what the controversy is.
Use the Opposing Viewpoints database, the AllSides websites, or internet searches in order to
better understand the controversy surrounding your topic. Describe two opposing viewpoints
related to your topic that people hold. Since this is background research you do not need to cite
your sources here.
Describe one viewpoint related to your topic
Describe the opposing viewpoint
AI can be very bene cial in making tasks
or daily life easier
AI can be very harmful when used in
anyway.
What is the rationale for these viewpoints. Why do people believe these viewpoints?
People who create the programs or
applications that involve AI. They’ve
experienced using AI, and have a deeper
understanding of it.
People who’ve maybe never used AI or
people who people who see things
about pollution.
Describe who typically holds these viewpoints. Political party a liation, age group demographic,
profession, socio-economic status, nationality, etc.
I would say professionals and
developers, or normal people who use it
on a day to day basis, maybe a little
older, higher socioeconomic status.
Young people, climate activists, people
who hold lower socioeconomic status.
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Sources
Now you will nd sources with information that you can use. You will need to nd a minimum of 3
sources with at least one of them presenting alternate viewpoint(s). It is recommended that you use
either the Opposing Viewpoints database or the AllSides website to nd your sources.
1. Cite your sources in NoodleTools
2. Copy your citations below
3. Mark with a star ⭐ any source that presents alternate viewpoints
Source #1
Source #2
Source #3
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Thesis Statement
Tips for writing a thesis statement:
Make it:
1. Concise: It should be one sentence long
2. Arguable: take a position that can be argued or debated
Thesis Structure
The arguable claim because 1st body paragraph topic, 2nd body paragraph topic,
and 3rd body paragraph topic.
Examples
For each of the 2 examples below, underline or highlight:
• The Claim in GREEN
• The 1st supporting detail/body paragraph in RED
• The 2nd supporting detail/body paragraph in BLUE
• THE 3rd supporting detail/body paragraph in ORANGE
The Civil War was a pivotal event in American history because it led to the
abolition of slavery, the reuni cation of the nation, and the establishment of a
stronger federal government.
Electric cars are better than gas-powered ones because they reduce pollution,
decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and save money on fuel and maintenance.
Write your thesis
Write your claim statement
Write your 3 supporting details that will become your body paragraphs. Your 3rd supporting detail
must focus on refuting the opposing viewpoint of what you are arguing.
1st supporting detail/
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2nd supporting detail/
body paragraph
3rd supporting detail/
body paragraph. This
one must refute an
opposing viewpoint
from your claim.
Put it all together
Combine your claim and three supporting details into one sentence. This will be your thesis:
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Note Taking
Source #1
0
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1-2
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1
Which supporting detail is this related to?-2
Which supporting detail is this related to?-3
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0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Source #2
0
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1-2-1
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1-1
Which supporting detail is this related to?-2-1
Which supporting detail is this related to?-3-1
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0
0
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0
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0
Source #3
0
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Context of Quote
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
Quote Itself
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
How does the quote support your thesis
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1-2-2
Which supporting detail is this related to?-1-3
Which supporting detail is this related to?-2-2
Which supporting detail is this related to?-3-2
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Outline
Introduction
A good introduction contains a:
1. Hook: an opening statement that grabs attention the audiences' attention. Try using
- An intriguing example
- A provocative quote
- A thought provoking quote
- A puzzling scenario or single question
- An interesting and relevant anecdote
2. 3 Transitional Statements. Connect the hook with the topic of the paper. Consider offering a brief topic overview.
3. Thesis statement. Speci es the organization and purpose of the paper.
Introduction Notes
Hook:
-
Transitional Statement:
Thesis:
Body Paragraph #1
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Notes for Body Paragraph 1
-
Body Paragraph #2
0
Notes for Body Paragraph 2
-
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Body Paragraph #3
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Notes for Body Paragraph 3
-
Conclusion
Restate the thesis
Summarize the three main topics
End with a nal insight or thought
Conclusion Notes
Restate Thesis:
Summary of main topics:
- (summary of paragraph 1)
- (Summary of paragraph 2)
- (Summary of paragraph 3)
Final thought or insight (think about your hook):
-
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