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Jeanne Hey
Short Writing Assignment for Students
2003 Workshop on Improving Student Writing
Center for Writing Excellence
Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
Jeanne Hey
Short writing assignment for World Politics, POL 271
Pedagogical goal:
Formulate and evaluate a causal explanation, critical thinking skills, engaging with other learners
Assignment:
- Choose (or you will be assigned) a statement from the following pairs. Write for eight minutes. Expand on the statement’s logic and argumentation with details. Provide evidence and examples that support the proposition. Prepare responses to your critics. Draw on your readings, experience and course material. You can write in outline or bullet format. The point is to articulate the argument as fully as you can. This is not graded.
- Find (or you will be assigned) a class member who wrote on a different side of the same issue you chose. The two of you will now discuss your arguments. Each student should take two minutes to present his/her argument orally. Then take five more minutes and engage in a debate.
- Take five more minutes to enhance your written statements. What new arguments and responses can you add to your original piece? What are your responses to your partner’s critiques and arguments? Make any changes or additions to your original statement that you see necessary to strengthen your argument.
A.
1. Overpopulation is the principal cause of poverty and hunger.
2. Maldistribution of wealth is the principal cause of poverty and hunger.
B.
1. The recent war in Iraq will prevent future conflict in the Middle East.
2. The recent war in Iraq will enhance future conflict in the Middle East.
C.
1. Jealousy and the active fomentation of hatred against Americans are the causes of anti-Americanism abroad.
2. US imperialism is the cause of anti-Americanism abroad.
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