Friday, March 26, 2010

Today, we finished watching the movie Iron Jawed Angel. We then discussed the film (what was learned from it), looked for analogies from today (Quatanamo and health care bill in the U.S.). I then handed out an IMPORTANT sheet (green) on how to approach an assignment II essay for Social Studies 30. These were to be read over the weekend. If you weren't here, I have put one in your portfolio. I have also pasted it below for you own benifit.

Social Studies 30-1: Written Response for Assignment II

Keys to Success:
· Effective interpretation of source throughout the paper (this is key!)
· Clearly established position (even a “middle” one)
· Thorough development of arguments and relating them to issue and source
· Linking evidence to arguments and to the source
· Time management (1:45 max writing time)

Paragraph One – Introduction and Source Interpretation

· Begin with a general introduction (2-3 sentences) about the origins of liberalism, how it has evolved, and how it has come to mean different things to different people/societies.
· Identify and explain the perspective expressed in the source (2-3 sentences) and its basic relationship to principals of liberalism.
· Explain the context of the source (2-3 sentences) – the ideology, time period and circumstances.
· Generate an issue question from the source – this could be expressed as a “to what extent…”
· Identify the position you will be defending (thesis statement) – this should generally be the last 1 to 3 sentences of this paragraph, depending on your writing style.

Paragraph Two – Source Development

· Scaffold the effects/implications of the source (individual, community, country, world, economic, political, social, environmental). What challenges and opportunities does the source present? Is the source based more on individualism or collectivism?
· Connect the points of view to the source and your thesis.

Paragraph Three – Counter Argument

· Your first body paragraph should be used to outline a counter argument. This is imperative to provide a counter argument as to show that you are not 100 per cent correct and that there are other arguments that could be provided. Once you provide a counter argument, dedicate the rest of this paragraph to refute this counter argument to show defense of your thesis. E.G., “Although it is true that… it is more significant that…”
· If you are assuming a “middle” position, it is a summary of one of the “extreme” or “black and white” positions on the issue question or vice versa.
· Topic Sentence#1: Refer to the source (1-3 sentences) – how does it relate to the question?
· Topic Sentence #2: identify the position that is being summarized in this paragraph
· Supporting Statements: identify and explain 2 or 3 arguments that support this position.
· Examples/evidence: identify and explain an example to illustrate each argument
· Relate examples full to (1) the specific argument, and (2) to the larger issue.

Paragraphs four, five and six: Stronger position OR “Reasons against extreme position #1

· This is a summary of the position you are taking and defending
· If you are assuming “the middle”, it is a summary of the problems/weaknesses with the position outlined in paragraph #2
· Topic sentence #1: Refer to the source- discuss either how the source relates to YOUR position, or (if taking the “middle” ground, generally identify the problems that can occur by adopting the position in paragraph 2)
· Topic Sentence #2: further identify/explain YOUR position, or if “middle”, your general reason against assuming the position in paragraph 2.
· Supporting Statements: Identify/explain 2-3 arguments supporting your position or against paragraph 2
· Examples/Evidence: identify and explain an example to illustrate each argument
· Relate examples fully to (1) the specific argument, and (2) the larger issue
***ACE – argument, case study, explain***

Conclusion – wrap up

· Restate your position on the topic (agree or disagree with the source)
· Use this section to briefly re-summarize the source, issue question, positions, and why your position is preferable
· Connect to why your arguments are superior