Critical Thinking: Commom Sense And Everyday Life

Assignment 1: Final Argument Paper

Using the information from the PowerPoint presentation you created in Module 3, write an Argument Paper that takes a position on the issue you selected. Be sure to include an explanation of the topic, possible viewpoints on the topic, your selected position on the topic, and appropriate evidence to support both your position and that of your possible opponents. Avoid the errors in reasoning that we have studied during the past five weeks by providing your argument in a logically defensible form.

Directions:

1. Provide a summary introduction that succinctly identifies and explains the chosen issue, including key terms.
2. Identify and explain one argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue; either summarize an existing argument or construct an original one.
3. Identify and assess the type of evidence offered in support of the argument position. This will include identifying premises and conclusions.
4. Analyze the evidence by explaining how the evidence logically supports or fails to support the argument’s conclusion, and critically evaluate the argument for any reasoning errors, accurately align the argument with the selected topic, and describe the source of the argument.
5. Next, identify and explain one counter argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue and related to the first argument; either summarize an existing argument or construct an original one.
6. Identify and assess the type of evidence offered in support of the argument position. This will include identifying premises and conclusions.
7. Analyze the evidence by explaining how the evidence logically supports or fails to support the argument’s conclusion, and critically evaluate the argument for any reasoning errors, accurately align the argument with the selected topic, and describe the source of the argument.
8. Critically assess which of the two arguments is superior; defend the judgment by explaining how and why. Explain the value of critical-thinking analysis in reaching this final conclusion.
9. Apply current APA standards for editorial style, expression of ideas, and format of text, citations, and references. Professionally present the position using good grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Submit your Argument Paper in Microsoft Word document format to the M5: Assignment 1 Dropbox by Saturday, December 7, 2013.