In preparation for your initial post, choose one of the following questions:

1. Are pit bulls dangerous?
2. Do video games cause aggressive behavior in children?
3. Are fast food restaurants responsible for the obesity epidemic?
4. Do reality TV shows have a negative influence on society?
5. Is recycling an effective solution to waste management?

Then, find one source that provides an argument that answers the question. It doesn’t matter which side the source takes, or even whether you agree with the argument. The source does not need to be scholarly or academic – in fact, it might be more fun if it’s not. You also don’t necessarily need to agree with the argument – again, it might even be more fun if you don’t agree with it, to present what you recognize as bad arguments and see how your classmates respond to them.

For the actual initial post:

Simply summarize the source’s argument using to the following model:

Conclusion:

Premise:

Sub-premise:

Premise:

Sub-premise.

Source: Schaeffer, R. A. (1990). Standardized tests and our children: A guide to testing reform. FairTest.