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Should We Drill For Off-Shore Oil?

Analyzing the Debate

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Before attempting this assignment, read the document "Questions To Ask When Examining A Position" found in the "Special Items" section on the Ch 371 Moodle site. This document discusses things to take into consideration when critically analyzing arguments being made both for and against an issue under debate.

The Reading Assignment: "Should We Drill For Off-Shore Oil?"

After reading both the pro and con arguments, analyze the issue by answering the following as completely as possible from the material presented by each author. Do not use the words of the author in your responses, but rather, summarize in YOUR OWN WORDS. You may find the need to do some internet research while completing this assignment. This is not a term paper writing assignment. Please be as concise as you possibly can while still being thorough. Please respond to the questions below in a narrative style using appropriate grammar in writing sentences, correct spelling (read that as run your document through a spell-checker!) and punctuation.

  • Author and major thesis for each side.
  • What are the author's credentials for writing his/her presentation?
  • What, if any, fallacies of question-framing are made by the each author?
  • State two facts presented by each side.
  • State two opinions presented by each side.
  • Identify the propaganda techniques used, if any.
  • All in all, which author impressed you as being the most empirical in presenting his/her thesis? Why?
  • Are there any reasons to believe the writers are biased? If so, why do they have these biases?
  • Which side (Yes or No) do you personally feel is most correct now that you have reviewed the material in these articles? Why?
  • How does this material fit in with the material being covered in this course? Be specific.

    • Submitting Your Assignment:

    Your written assignment must be in the format of a Microsoft Word document (.doc). You will submit the assignment electronically via the link on the Ch 371 Moodle site.

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    A word about opinions.....everyone has them! You never will be graded on the nature of your opinions. You will be graded on how well you use fact to justify the opinions you are expressing.