Description
PHI 105 Week 1 Assignment, Persuasive Essay Topic and Audience Worksheet
PHI 105 Week 1 Part 1: Select a Topic
Choose a topic for your Persuasive Essay from the list below. If you would like to write about a topic that is not on the list, contact your instructor via email to request approval.
- Gun control
- Legalization of marijuana
- Abortion
- Euthanasia
- Banning books (censorship)
- Mandatory military service
- Separation of church and state
- Charter schools
- Same-sex marriage
- Flag burning (Does someone have the right to burn the flag of the country? Who gives them that right?)
- Death penalty
- War
- Prostitution
What is the topic you have chosen for your persuasive essay?
Begin thinking about the different issues associated with the topic you have selected, narrow your focus, and take a pro or con position for the subject of your essay. Present a simple statement of your position here.
Section II: Identify your Audience
Answer the following questions regarding the audience for your essay.
- Who do you intend to read your essay?
- Are there clues in this particular assignment about who your audience is?
- Do you have more than one audience? If so, how many do you have? List them.
- What is the appropriate way to address this audience (professional, familial, friendly)? Why?
- What about your topic is important to your audience? What about your topic is not important to your audience?
PHI 105 Week 1 Assignment, What Is Critical Thinking Essay Question
Find three sources that discuss critical thinking. One source should be from the assigned and/or optional readings, and the other two should be found through your own research. Read the three sources, and consider how they define critical thinking.
In 300-500 words, explain your own personal definition of critical thinking. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Select a direct quote from one of your resources to include in your explanation.
- A reference page that documents the three sources you found (and any other resources you used) is required. Remember, all outside sources must be cited both in-text and on your reference page.
- The articles you found in your research may influence your definition, but your own ideas should be evident. In other words, your process should be: a) Read some definitions and descriptions of critical thinking; b) Comprehend or digest the information; and c) Write your own definition of critical thinking.
PHI 105 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1: Do you currently use any specific strategies to help improve your memory? If so, please share them. If not, what kinds of things might you try in the future to help improve your memory?
PHI 105 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2: Based on your definition of critical thinking, what is the value of critical thinking to you personally, academically, or professionally?
