The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1936
This assignment requires that you use a database that is available to students through the FSW Library homepage, Opposing Viewpoints in Context. This database provides resources on a wide variety of topics that are considered to be controversial. It will be an excellent source of information for research in college classes.
Select a topic to investigate.
Find two articles in the “Viewpoints” or “Featured Viewpoints” sections to read that represent opposite perspectives on the same issue.
Answer the following questions about the topic and/or the two articles.
1. What topic are you researching?
2. What assumptions (Links to an external site.) do you have about this topic? (answer this before reading your two articles)
3. Which two articles did you read? Provide the author and title for each.
a)Article One:
b) Article Two:
4. Read the information about each author and evaluate the background, level of expertise, and potential for bias of each author. This information is provided in the blue box within each viewpoint article. (Examples: This author is just a journalist, she does not appear to have any education or work experience in this field; this author is the president of the NRA, so he is likely to support gun rights.)
a)Article One:
b)Article Two:
5. Evaluate the evidence each author uses to support his or her position. Which author provided stronger support for the argument? How so? (Remember that a valid argument is supported with facts; a weak argument is supported with personal opinions and/or logical fallacies)
a) Did your opinion of the topic change based on your research? Why or why not?
Submit your answers in a Word document or text entry. Please include the question numbers next to each response.
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