Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Town Hall Debate: Wednesday, Nov.3rd (must have research sheet or you will get a zero on the written component!)

History 621B                                                                                                                           Town Hall Meeting
Agenda: Pesticide Use on Prince Edward Island                                                    Date:
Pesticide use on Prince Edward Island, more specifically, pesticide use by potato farmers , has been a highly controversial topic in recent years.  We will be conducting a "town hall" meeting to discuss the issue of pesticide use on Prince Edward Island and its impact on the economy, environment, and  residents.
You will be given a side to argue in favor of (regardless of your own personal opinions). You must set aside your personal values, beliefs, and biases, and try to present your argument effectively and persuasively.
Not only should you develop a strong argument (that is backed by facts, statistics, and research), but you must anticipate any possible counter-arguments that might come your way and have a rebuttal prepared to defend your argument.
That being said, some members of your group should be in charge of identifying possible counter-arguments and coming up with solid rebuttals.
Remember, good debaters often use persuasive techniques to bolster their argument (emotional, logical  and ethical appeals, rhetorical questions, calls to action, etc.)
Roles:  Mayor, concerned citizens (elders, youth -- consider their different perspectives on the issue at hand), MLA's from the area, concerned groups (farmers, Mi'kmaq) etc.
Each group member MUST pass in the research sheet (arguments/counter-arguments) and each group member must participate (speak) during the town hall meeting. You will be researching this on your own (I will be evaluating your research sheets prior to the town hall meeting) and you will later share your findings with the larger group. I will give you time to collaborate with your group members before the debate.
You will be evaluated on your research, the strength of your argument (how well it is supported), your use of persuasive devices, and your handling of counter-arguments. Please use these websites as a starting point, but I encourage further research to enhance your position in this debate.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Opinion/Letter-to-editor/2014-06-12/article-3760132/Potato-growers-diligent-with-responsible-pesticide-use-on-P.E.I./1
http://www.peipotato.org/media-centre/responsible-pesticide-use-prince-edward-island-potato-farms
http://www.agrirecup.ca/sites/default/files/news/cm_PEI_obsolete_colleciton_totals_20120208.pdf
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/ee_pesticides04.pdf
http://www.watershedsentinel.ca/content/potato-paradise-lost-harmful-pesticides-pei





Persuasive Writing
A persuasive essay always contains a thesis statement, or statement of position.  This statement provides a clear, concise explanation of the topic/issue, and the writer's thoughts/opinions.  The thesis is usually found at the beginning of an essay; however, it may also appear at the end.
Emotional appeals stir readers feelings with descriptive details, connotative language, and anecdotes that evoke emotions.  Analogies (comparisons between two things), and rhetorical devices (such as repetition), can also be used to appeal to the reader’s emotions. 
Ethical appeals establish that the writer is fair and knowledgeable, or call upon the readers= sense of right and wrong.  Ethical appeals include discussion of the reader’s authority to speak on the subject, concessions to opposing points of view(accommodations made in light of a special circumstance), reasonable language, and statements about values.
Logical appeals speak to the reader’s ability to think by presenting reasons backed by facts, factual anecdotes (an entertaining account of a real or fictitious event or occurrence), and expert testimony.
A good persuasive essay must have strong supporting information and evidence.  It is important to look for the following information when analyzing a persuasive essay:

ü  Details  are used to prove a point, clarify or illustrate, create interest, or add humour.  Details provide readers with extra information on the topic/subject.
ü  Facts are statements that can be proven through testing, personal experience, or verification from reliable sources. (They include examples and statistics).
ü  Statistics are also used as supporting evidence.  Statistics deal with numbers and provide concrete evidence.
ü  Direct quotations are statements by people who are known as an authority on the subject/topic. 
ü  Case/incidents are examples of an event or an actual case or incidence.
ü  Rhetorical questions are questions which do not need an answer.  They are used to make the reader think or ponder something.  They are usually used to assert of deny something.
ü  Counter arguments are used to present a possible argument against the thesis of the essay.

ü  Rebuttals/Refutations are the author’s response to the counter argument. 

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