Module 5 - Beginning Your List of Relevant Information

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4

Activity 4: TaskStream

Now that you have completed Module 5 you are ready to work on RUA1 Task 3 in TaskStream. Task 3 is divided into several sub-tasks or questions available in TaskStream. For each question, write a response in your own words, citing sources when you refer to specific information from one or more of the eight articles on your topic. You do not need to cite information which is generally known about your topic. For instance, the observation that obesity is a bigger problem today than in the past is generally known and therefore doesn’t need a citation. However, if you report there has been a 52.3% increase in obesity among American children in the last 50 years, you do need to include a citation.

You should write your answers so they will be understandable to the reader without having to read the question or prompt. You may want to re-read sections of your texts that clarify terms used in the Task 3 prompts. For instance, you may want to re-read the section on assumptions before attempting to answer the question identifying assumptions in the articles you read.

• After reading chapters 2, 4, and 5 in Asking the Right Questions, and chapter 4 in Learning to Think Things Through, select 8 Viewpoints essays from the databases available in the WGU library. Some of these essays need to contain statistical information.
• Read each of the essays carefully in an attempt to get a broad understanding of the topic and its complexity. It is a good idea to select essays that see the problem from different perspectives. This will enhance your ability to engage in critical thinking on your chosen topic.
• Print out a copy of the Relevant Information Document available in taskstream at the bottom of the instruction page. Print a copy of the rubric as well. Use these documents to guide you as you write.
• As with all of the tasks in this assessment, you will need to pay close attention to vocabulary. Your ability to think critically is heavily influenced by your ability to use the vocabulary of this subject area. For this task, you should have paid special attention to the meaning of “Assumptions” and “Ambiguity”.  These were defined in your text.   In addition, you will need to understand that “Factors,” as it is used in this task, might be translated to mean issues (things to be aware of—things to consider) when looking at this problem. “Theories or Models” refers to plausible explanations for phenomena when a factual explanation is not available.   “Theories or Models” does not refer to possible solutions. You will discuss that later in task 3.
• Be thorough as you write. The purpose of this task is to give you a better understanding of the complexity of your topic and to allow you to do some initial thinking about that complexity. 

1. Answer all sections
2. Provide a statement of the problem
3. List three related sub-problems
4. Describe the problem environment and people affected
5. List three factors to consider
6. In two instances, explain how ambiguous words weaken the argument
7. Explain two theories related to the problem
8. List three assumptions related to the problem
9. Identify four specific pieces of evidence, including two pieces of statistical evidence
10. Identify three potential solutions
11. Identify one drawback to each solution
12. Identify three groups of people with an interest in the problem and explain their different viewpoints about the problem

If you would like a more detailed list, please see the rubric in Taskstream. Please feel free to contact the content mentor through the community if you have additional questions.