Module 7 - Reasons and Evidence Supporting Different Views or Conclusions

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

Activity 4: TaskStream

Complete the related readings and activities before you begin working on a response to Task 5. Once you have done this preparation, select two conclusions that differ from each other. Sometimes the opposition is very direct. Some believe an increase in American troops in Iraq will diminish the violence in Baghdad, while others believe an increase in American troops in Iraq will have little or no effect on the violence in Baghdad. Other times, the opposition may be expressed by two different observers reaching two different conclusions. For example, one observer concludes that neighboring countries such as Syria and Iran are the key and need to be brought into the negotiations to bring about stability in the region, while another observer concludes that Iraqis will only defend their country when the Americans are no longer there to do it for them. If you read any newspaper or listen to any in-depth news commentary, you will hear a variety of evidence to substantiate a number of conclusions. At other times, some observers propose conclusions, but offer no evidence at all.

However you pair the differing conclusions, you will need to describe the evidence each observer offers to substantiate a given conclusion. You will also need to make clear why you see these two conclusions as differing from each other. At this point, you are not required to evaluate the evidence and choose sides. Once you have drafted satisfactory responses, go to TaskStream and attach your responses to the Task 5 text boxes for submission.