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Leslie D. Hannah Department of English University of Oklahoma
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Unit Three: The Controversial Issue A controversial issue is a personal, social, or political issue on which people disagree. It is an issue for debate and argument. Some issues are so difficult that reasonable people change their minds on the issue from one day to the next. The fact that people sometimes do change their minds is reason enough to write essays on controversial issues. Especially in a democratic society it is important that controversial issues be continually debated. These debates produce the laws and regulations that govern our lives. They produce the decisions that determine the kinds of schools and colleges we have, the sort of medical care we receive, the quality of life in our cities and neighborhoods, the quality of food we eat, the state of our natural resources, our places of recreation and leisure, and the way me marry and even divorce. This essay shall be 1,000 to 1,250 words in length with a minimum of three sources, only one of which may be an Internet source. This essay must also have a proper MLA Works Cited page. Readings for this unit include chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, and 19 from The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing. What are some of the controversial issues in our society at the present time? You will know of many issues, but here are some examples: Should rental property owners be allowed to exclude people with children? Should women be drafted for military combat service? Should women be able to have abortions under any circumstance? Do realistic video games with violent content contribute to teen violence? Should the commercial killing of whales be banned? Should the Biblical account of creationism be taught alongside evolution in public schools? Should all guns be banned in America? Should English become the "official" language of the state or nation? Should same-sex marriages be legalized? Should sex education be taught in public schools? Should the federal government sanction drug needle exchange programs? In writing about a controversial issue you first state the issue, state clearly your point of view or opinion on the issue, and then present several reasons supporting your opinion. Each of your reasons must be developed and supported, not just mentioned. A list of reasons by itself is worthless. What is of value is careful reasoning supported by appropriate materials and evidence. The main purpose in writing about a controversial issue is to get your readers to accept your opinion as valid and reasonable, not necessarily to change their minds. Of course, you would really like your readers to abandon their opinions and adopt yours, and if you are very skillful (and even a bit lucky) that might happen. However, it is more realistic to expect that you might persuade readers to see the reasonableness of your opinion. When you write about a controversial issue you are always writing for readers who disagree with you. And yet you must win their confidence. They must trust you and acknowledge your authority and credibility. They must feel that you understand their opinion even though they know you are trying to talk them out of it. This is the great challenge of writing about controversial issues. It requires the greatest tact and understanding. It requires a good understanding of people. What kind of issue would you choose to write about? A good issue for you is simply one you truly care about and know something about. Choose an issue, one that is presently being debated in your school, community, or in the news media. A current issue will be one that you can quickly and easily research for additional information to support your reasons. |