Exploring Writing 2nd Edition by John Langan

Exercise 1

This activity will give you practice in stating a clear position and acknowledging an opposing viewpoint. In each item, you will see a statement and then a question related to that statement. Write two answers to each question. Your first will answer " yes " to the question and briefly explain why. The other will answer " no " to the question and also state why.
HINT
Use words such as should ( not ), must ( not ), and ought ( not ) to make your position clear.
EXAMPLE
Cigarette smoking has been proven to be harmful. Should it therefore be made illegal
" Yes " : Because smoking has been shown to have so many harmful health effects, the sale of cigarettes should be made illegal.
" No " : Although smoking has been linked to various health problems, adults should have the right to make their own decision about whether or not to smoke. Smoking, therefore, should not be made illegal.
1. Animals feel pain when they are killed for food. Is eating animals therefore immoral
" Yes " : ______________________________________________________
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" No " : ______________________________________________________
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2. Professional boxing often leads to serious injury. Should this sport be outlawed
" Yes " : ______________________________________________________
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" No " : ______________________________________________________
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3. The obesity rate among children and teenagers is rising. Should schools ban the sale of soda and junk food
" Yes " : ______________________________________________________
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" No " : _______________________________________________________
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4. Some teenagers commit violent crimes, such as rape and murder. Should they be tried in court as adults
" Yes " : ______________________________________________________
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" No " : _______________________________________________________
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5. Studies show that boys and girls learn differently. Should single-sex education be encouraged
" Yes " : ______________________________________________________
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" No " : _______________________________________________________
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