Assignment 4.5: What's the Issue?

1. Learning Targets

2. ASSIGNMENT 4.5: What's the Issue? FORUM

Task:

Pose a strongly worded question in the forum for others to discuss, and then add a response to another thread using the persuasive techniques you have learned. 

Using the strategies you have learned in this unit, pose a persuasive statement/question for others to comment.  Also, in looking through questions posed by others, offer your opinion (think thesis statement) considering how to be both persuasive and clear within a sentence or two.

Your statement/question should be focused on current issues that you feel passionate about, but also an issue that others can engage in with a high level of emotional connection.

Some issues you might consider:

• Attitudes towards people with disabilities and measures to improve their lives
• Attitudes towards people who have been disempowered
• Abortions
• Death penalty and society
• Euthanasia
• Gay marriage and the possibility of adopting children
• Divisions of labour depending on gender
• Gender differences in salary
• Unemployment in the country
• The problem of homelessness and its solutions

Go to the main page of the course to access the forum.

Be sure you:

1. Post your example in the 4.5 FORUM:  What's the Issue found on the main page of the course by clicking Add a New Discussion Topic. Use the title of your selection of writing as your title.
2. Reply/Respond to your classmates' examples by clicking on their topic and selecting Reply.  Try using the following prompts to guide your response to another post:  "I wonder...", "I know...", "I can...". 
3. Complete this forum self-assessment and submit to 4.5 FORUM:  What's the Issue Self Assessment on the main page of the course.

Click here for the pdf version of the self-assessment rubric. 

Click here for the Word version of the self-assessment rubric.

Assessment: Below you will find the 4 criteria used to self-assess the assignment.   Consider them as you respond to the prompt.

1. Follows Instructions

2. Thoughtfulness of response

3. Support for stated position

4. Response to another discussion

Estimated Allotted Time: 30 min.

3. Grammar Check Up

Grammar skills are important in many aspects of our life from education to our employment from our social life to our home life. Grammar lays the ground work for effective communication.  When you use your cell phone to call a friend and you have bad reception, you will most likely find that the intent of your conversation will be greatly affected.  Your friend may not understand what you are trying to speak to them about.  The same can be said for our understanding of proper grammar.  Improper grammar can greatly affect the meaning and clarity of our intended message. 

1.  Click on the links below to learn the following grammar lessons:

See also Commas Made Easy from the Class Handouts.

The Comma

The Semicolon

2.  Complete these self-marking quizzes to ensure you understanding of the lessons:

Practice Test: The Comma

Practice Test:  The Semicolon

These assignments DO NOT need to be submitted to your teacher.  Your understanding of these concepts should be displayed in every assignment you submit and your lack of understanding will result in lower grades throughout the course.  They will also be formally assessed on the final exam.