Group Identification

Part I – Prewriting: Follow the instructions below for this prewriting activity. Use complete sentences and adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
1. Select one (1) of the approved topics from the procon Website and state your position on the issue.
2. From the Procon Website, identify three (3) premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section – whichever section opposes your position.
3. For each of the three (3) premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these “believing” questions suggested by Elbow:

What’s interesting or helpful about this view? 

What would you notice if you believed this view? 

In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?” 

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. 

Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. 

Part II Writing
Write at three (3) page paper in which you:
1. State your position on the topic you selected for Assignment 1.1.
2. Identify (3) three premises (reasons) from the Procon.org website that support your position and explain why you selected these specific reasons.
3. Explain your answers to the believing questions about the three (3) premises opposing your position from the Procon.org website.
4. Examine at least two (2) types of biases that you likely experienced as you evaluated the premises for and against your position.
5. Discuss the effects of your own enculturation or group identification that may have influenced your biases.
6. Discuss whether or not your thinking about the topic has changed after playing the Believing Game, even if your position on the issue has stayed the same.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. 

Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. 

Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.