BEL 313 INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT 1 (20%)

Pair Work Select an article or more that present the views of the author(s) on a SINGLE ISSUE. Newspaper editorials or Internet Blogs may be a good source for this. Using the argument mapping techniques that were discussed in class, identify in the article(s): i. ii. Five (5) examples of contentions (claim supported by reason) Five (5) examples of objections against claims.

Present this in the form of argument maps and remember to use complete sentences in your maps. You will need to highlight the statements in the passage as well. Only go on to a new passage when you are sure the first one has no other claim. Remember to cite the source for the articles. Date of Submission: Week 6.

BEL 313 INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT 2 (20%)

Individual Work Select an article that is persuasive in nature. Newspaper editorials would be a good source. Read the article carefully. It must be an article that presents an argument which you know is flawed. On a clear copy of the article, highlight the main conclusion and the premises that the writer puts forward. Reproduce the premises and conclusion. You may have to paraphrase the ideas so they form complete sentences and remember that one conclusion could serve as a premise for another. Next, write a paper of about 500 800 words. Comment on the weakness of the article. Pay particular attention to the language choices that the writer makes in order to persuade readers to accept the conclusion. Make a stand that opposes the argument put forward in the article and provide points to support your own stand. Date of Submission: Week 10.

BEL 313 INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING Forum Presentation (20%)

Group Work In a group of 4, decide on a debatable topic. Research this topic on the Internet and collect materials that will allow you to make a stand on this topic (either supporting or opposing). Get your lecturers approval for the topic you have selected. Next divide yourselves into two pairs. One pair will support the issue while the other pair will oppose the same issue. Research your topic thoroughly and prepare to present your points in a forum presentation. The points you put forward should involve critical reflection of the issue. Organisation is very important. Clearly outline every point that you wish to make. Ideally, each member of the forum should put forward two distinct points. Support each point with relevant details. Also, prepare to refute the points of the other members on the panel. As a group, submit a portfolio of all the material you have researched. Include a complete set of references. All highlighted notes, written drafts and a timeline indicating times you met for discussions should be included in this portfolio. Date of Submission: Week 11.