Article 3 - Contraception Bill

Article 3 - comes from BBC NEWS (online edition) : "Fierce Debate over Philippine Contraception Bill"

This article discusses the health care difficulties this Asian nation faces- it  frames the discussion as a conflict between religious beliefs and economic hardships, between deeply held beliefs and crushing poverty. In order to really discuss the issue, you should look beyond the Philippine's example to other examples in the world - either examples of where contraception initiatives were successful or where the opposition to these medical interventions have been overruled - what were the outcomes?

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 2 - Debating Dirty Words

Article 2 - comes from the pages of Time Magazine: "You Can't Say That on Television: 40 Years of Debating Dirty Words"

This intriguing article opens us up to a discussion of what words should/should not be used in a public forum. The language is suggestive, but not graphic in this article - but if references to curse words make you uncomfortable, then I'd suggest you skip this article.

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 1 - Valedictorian

Article 1 - you get to choose whether to AFF (affirm or support) the parents' position or to NEG (negate or argue against) the parents' position. The entry should identify the main (generalized) idea of the argument and let the reader know which position you will take. You should then find 2 other articles or resources to cite in your entry that uphold or further strengthen your position on the topic - in this article's case, the importance (or not) of GPAs and class rankings.

Article link: Parents Consider Lawsuit After Daughter Loses Valedictorian Spot

Requirements:

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Introduction

Just to make sure that we can all use this format - please post a brief introduction to the blog. Give your name, your experience level, and a brief glimpse into who you are (maybe tell us about something you enjoy doing, tell us about your favorite book or film, tell us about your summer plans) - something to let us know who you are and what you enjoy doing.

Keep it short -- about 50-100 words. Again, this is class site so keep it appropriate.
PROOFREAD :)

I'll go first: