Controversial Topics Analysis Worksheet
Brainstorm: Make a list of some issues or controversies related to religion, death, or dying - depending on your major, your career interests, or personal interest.
Choose one issue: Is this issue one that thinking people can have legitimate differences of opinion about? Is it one that I can be objective and fair-minded in analyzing evidence? Do I need to narrow my focus in order to make a meaningful report in the time and length available? (800-1000 words, with 5 library sources documented in either MLA or APA style)
State the controversy: What is the issue and why is it controversial? Who are the stakeholders? What are the major points of difference?
Research the evidence: What case studies, statistics, and facts are relevant? What are the arguments on each side of the controversy?
Your conclusions and recommendations: Based on the research, what conclusions do you make regarding this issue and why? What recommendations for action do you have?
The report should include:
• an introduction which leads to a thesis statement taking a position regarding the issue (100-200 words)
• history and background of the controversy (200-300 words)
• analysis of the arguments pro/con (400-500 words)
• your conclusions and recommendations (100-200 words).