Points of Debate

Assessment 1.5
Attached Files:
File Assessment 1.5 Points of Debate(1).docx (16.811 KB)

Assessment 1.5 – Points of Debate

Due: Week 8 – Monday 14 September by 10am

Submission: In class or via the submission link the Assessment 1.5 folder

Format: Times New Roman 12 point font (depending on the quantity or depth you wish to convey, you may use a dot-point style format on your

summary of key points if required).

Weighting: 10%

Comprehension and critical thinking task

Task Instructions:

1. Select one of the three topics for debate from the following list

a) Decriminalisation or Legalisation of Marijuana

b) The Death Penalty

c) Voluntary Euthanasia

2. Research your topic using a mix of scholarly sources and reputable web sites.

3. List at least three key points in support of the issue. Provide additional information on each point using sub headings.

4. List at least three key points opposing the issue. Provide additional information on each point using sub headings.

IMPORTANT: Do not merely paraphrase or copy and paste the points made from websites. The idea is for YOU to consider each point and list

what YOU think are the main arguments. You must demonstrate your understanding by expanding on the points or providing examples.

5. Complete the Assessment 1.5 Questionnaire (located in the Assessment 1.5 folder on the Learning@Griffith course site).

6. Attach Assessment 1.5 Questionnaire to your summary of key points (copy and paste onto a single Word Document) and submit.

Criteria:

a) Coverage of both sides of the debate

b) Breadth of arguments (i.e. multiple points)

c) Depth and/or innovation in discussion of relevant points

d) Evidence of critical thinking in summary of key points and questionnaire answers

e) Evidence of personal reflection in questionnaire answers

f) Writing (spelling, grammar, expression) & Referencing (APA)

Minimum References: 2 (but more is better) reputable internet sources are allowed for this task but scholarly sources are even better.

Assessment 1.5 Questionnaire
Attached Files:
File Assessment 1.5 Questionnaire.docx (16.474 KB)

Web links
Attached Files:
File A1.5 weblinks(1).docx (14.204 KB)
Here are some web links to sites with an overview of each of the debates to get you started. Please note this list is compiled from a

brief Google search only, it is not exhaustive, nor do these sites necessarily constitute scholarly sources. It is up to you to determine

the relevancy, reliability and/or truth of the points made herein. You do not need to use these sites specifically and many other

resources will provide an overview of these debates. Happy researching!

Assessment 1.5 Questionnaire
Now that you have chosen your issue and listed the key points from both sides of the debate, please complete the following items.
1.    Please circle the statement that applies to your topic and, using the scale below, indicate where you think you would be

positioned on this debate.

a)    I think marijuana should be decriminalised or legalised

b)    I am in favour of the death penalty for serious crimes

c)    I believe voluntary euthanasia should be legal for people of sound mind

1    2    3    4    5    6    7
Strongly
Disagree    Disagree    Slightly
Disagree    Neutral    Slightly
Agree    Agree    Strongly Agree

1.    What are your personal thoughts on this issue? Write a few lines indicating your position (Word limit 40-400 words)

2.    Have your thoughts on this issue changed since completing this task?  If so, discuss why/how.  If not, discuss your previous

experience that has informed the position you hold.  (15 – 250 words).

3.    Why might you be wrong about this issue?