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Answer & Explanation:Conflicting Viewpoints Essay – Part I
Prewriting 
When looking for information about a
particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point
of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking
by playing the “Believing Game.” The Believing Game is about making the effort
to “believe” – or at least consider – the reasons for an opposing view on an
issue.
The assignment is divided into two (2)
parts.
In Part I of the assignment (due Week 2), you will first read a book excerpt
about critical thinking processes: “The Believing Game and How to Make
Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful” atlondonessays.com
Next, you will review the Procon.org Website in order to gather information.
Then, you will engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts.
Note: In Part II of the assignment (due Week 4), you will write an essay geared
towards synthesizing your ideas.
Part I - Prewriting: Follow the instructions below for this
prewriting activity.  Use complete sentences and adhere to standard rules
of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
1. Select one (1) of the approved topics from the www.procon.org Website and
state your position on the issue.
2. From the Procon.org Website, identify three (3) premises (reasons) listed
under either the Pro or Con section – whichever section opposes your
position.
3.For each of the three (3)

premises (reasons) that oppose your
position on the issue, answer these “believing” questions suggested by Elbow:
What’s interesting or helpful about
this view?
What would I notice if I believed this
view?
In what sense or under what conditions
might this idea be true?”
The paper should follow guidelines for
clear and organized writing:
Include an introductory paragraph and
concluding paragraph.
Address main ideas in body paragraphs
with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
Adhere to standard rules of English
grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
Your assignment must follow these
formatting requirements:
Be typed, double spaced, using Times
New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and
references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions.
Include a cover page containing the
title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course
title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes
associated with this assignment are:
Identify the informal fallacies,
assumptions, and biases involved in manipulative appeals and abuses of
language.
Create written work utilizing the
concepts of critical thinking.
Use technology and information
resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.