1. Synthesis Unit 2013-2014 Points for Exploration Ohhhhh!…so my sources are having this conversation you keep talking about!

2. Step One: Sources (10 minutes)  Compile a list of your sources and their main ideas.  Now, we can easily refer to these sources as “Source 1” or “Source 2” Source #1:“The Hidden Power Behind the Abortion Debate” American Journal of Medicine Great article. Explored all possible influences of this debate—from religion, to money, to political connections.

3. Step Two: Points for Exploration (5 minutes) PFE #1Personal views become political opinion PFE #2Tracing back a person’s decision making. Is lack of education what is really hurting us? PFE #3Moral decision vs. Scientific data PFE #4Long term effects of outlawing abortion option PFE #5Who is benefitting from this political debate?

4. Step 3a: What? They talk to each other? PFE #1:Personal views become political opinion In the column to the right, please tell me how your sources speak to each other about this point for exploration. What does Source 1 say about this PFE? How would your other sources respond to Source 1? Would they defend, refute, or qualify it? Please write as much as you need to making sure to cover as much of their conversation as you can. So one of my sources, Source # 3 actually, is a profile of how this legislator actually went into the political arena to prevent any more abortions from happening because of what happened to his sister. Source #1 would defend this move of his saying that it is the very nature of our democratic society to fight for what you believe in. Since people have the power of the vote, they can choose to have you represent that view in the political arena. But Source #4 would refute that saying while it is our democratic freedom, by sheer numbers, those legislators would not be representing the majority. And to represent the majority is the mission of our democracy.

5. (Right hand column example) So one of my sources, Source # 3 actually, is a profile of how this legislator actually went into the political arena to prevent any more abortions from happening because of what happened to his sister. Source #1 would defend this move of his saying that it is the very nature of our democratic society to fight for what you believe in. Since people have the power of the vote, they can choose to have you represent that view in the political arena. But Source #4 would refute that saying while it is our democratic freedom, by sheer numbers, those legislators would not be representing the majority. And to represent the majority is the mission of our democracy.

6. 3b: 5 ways to add your voice….  1. Terminology  Consider: If we don’t agree on what a word means, then how can we use that word in an argument? For example, what does the word large mean? Or happiness? If my understanding differs from yours, then the use of this word in an argument could set us at odds when perhaps we should agree. In the presented conversation, look for words and consider their meaning. How do you understand the word? Does the author differ? If so, how does this affect the arguments? It is often wise to clarify the meaning of terms in argumentation.

7. 2. Cause-Effect argumentation.  In such arguments, the writer claims that X is the result of Y; that is, Y caused X. Is this true? Might there be some other cause of X that the writer has not considered?

8. 3. Questionable Logic  In logical arguments, the writer draws a logical conclusion from presented facts. To counter such arguments, consider the given facts. Are they true?  An errant, questionable, or debatable fact collapses the argument.  If you can show one of the “building blocks” to be questionable, then the conclusion drawn from it is faulty.  Also, one might ask: Can the same evidence lead to a different conclusion?  Never forget that the greatest minds in history have drawn starkly different conclusions from the same observable evidence.

9. 4. Selection of Detail  Never forget that a writer chooses what information to present in his or her argument.  Can you think of evidence not presented that could call the writer’s views into question?

10. #5. Examples!  No better proof can be used than specific evidence from history or contemporary society to show why a particular viewpoint is right or wrong. *Edward Wevodau Colleyville Heritage High School 5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, TX 76034

11. 3b. Example: My voice  Now for your voice. Think about terminology, cause- effect argumentation, questionable logic, selection of detail, examples, etc. Comment on this conversation yourself. Bring up any valid points running through your head at this time.  It seems like the actual role of democracy is being brought more into question than the role of abortion. If the abortion debate is a result of the function of a democracy, then I think that would make the abortion debate very easy to settle—the majority would drive legislation. But because those make decisions about abortion point to morals and religion as their driving force, the abortion debate has taken on a personal nature. What happens when the government tries to control ways I choose to raise my child once I have my child. When will the government’s involvement end? Wouldn’t it be better to simply educate people better on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and create a more educated society in general than to micromanage every decision they make that deals with their own personal lives?

12. (My voice..again so you can read it.)  It seems like the actual role of democracy is being brought more into question than the role of abortion. If the abortion debate is a result of the function of a democracy, then I think that would make the abortion debate very easy to settle—the majority would drive legislation. But because those make decisions about abortion point to morals and religion as their driving force, the abortion debate has taken on a personal nature. What happens when the government tries to control ways I choose to raise my child once I have my child. When will the government’s involvement end? Wouldn’t it be better to simply educate people better on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and create a more educated society in general than to micromanage every decision they make that deals with their own personal lives?