{"id":726,"date":"2017-10-10T17:20:31","date_gmt":"2017-10-10T17:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-jeffersoncc-englishcomp2kscopexmaster\/?post_type=chapter&p=726"},"modified":"2017-11-20T14:59:43","modified_gmt":"2017-11-20T14:59:43","slug":"pro-and-con-practice","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-jeffersoncc-englishcomp2kscopexmaster\/chapter\/pro-and-con-practice\/","title":{"raw":"Pro and Con Practice","rendered":"Pro and Con Practice"},"content":{"raw":"Using pro and con lists is a helpful prewriting technique, since any topic worth arguing has many sides.\u00a0 Writers need to capitalize on their side\u2019s strengths, proving that they are valid.\u00a0 Conversely, writers need to turn the other side\u2019s arguments against it.\u00a0 This is called refuting the opposition.\u00a0 In an even tone, the writer shows how the other side\u2019s arguments are invalid to some extent.\u00a0 Still, don\u2019t go too far. . . none of us likes being told that our ideas are useless.\u00a0 Listing the points of argument can help (it\u2019s sort of like picking teams in phys ed class).\u00a0 Through listing, careful writers find that each side is more complicated than they had thought.\r\n\r\nDirections: Follow the alphabetized directions.\u00a0 Do all parts of the assignment.\u00a0 <\/strong>Imagine that you have been asked to write an objective essay for a prominent journal.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n
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  1. Pick one of the statements in the topic bank, and decide which side you take on the statement.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Then, create a list of 8-10 strong points for<\/em> your side. Label it according to the issue. For example: \u201cMy side: against separate male\/female military units\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Label the opposition\u2019s side, too. For example: \u201cThe opposition\u2019s side: for separate male\/female military units.\u201d<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. After you have set up your side, create a list of 8-10 arguments made by the opposition. This means you\u2019ll think of the best points for each side. You may find that many of the points directly oppose arguments made by the other side.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    Remember to narrow and focus the topic as necessary<\/h3>\r\nTopic Bank<\/strong> (stick to these topics, and \u201cmake a withdrawal\u201d):\r\n\r\n1) Students should\/should not work throughout the school year.\r\n\r\n2) Televised instant replays should\/should not be used to call plays in football and other sports.\r\n\r\n3)\u00a0 Off-road recreational vehicles should\/should not be banned from our national parks.\r\n\r\n4) Persons over 14 charged with crimes should\/should not be tried as adults.\r\n\r\n5) Controversial names or symbols of athletic teams (\u201cRedskins\u201d the Confederate flag, the tomahawk chop) should\/should not be changed or displayed.\r\n\r\n6) During peacetime, students should\/should not serve in a youth corps for two years following high school.\r\n\r\n7) The math requirement at JCC should\/should not be changed.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s an example: \u201cHomeschooled athletes should be allowed to play on the public school teams of the district in which they live.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    My side: Against including homeschooled students on public school teams<\/strong><\/td>\r\nOpposition's side: In favor of including these homeschooled athletes on public school teams.<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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    <\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nCould you brainstorm 8-10 reasons for and against the claim?\u00a0 How do those pros tend to line up with their respective cons?\r\n