Problem
Sample RTS
Part 1
ECC's student union should be allowed to sell beer because this would create more revenue to support student activities.
A. What is the claim?
a. The claim is an independent clause.
B. What is the reason?
a. The reason is a dependent clause.
C. Are the claim and the reason both independent clauses?
a. No, only the claim is an independent clause while the dependent clause is a dependent clause.
D. What is the shared term (you should write down two words for this answer)?
E. What is the burden of proof? What will the author have to prove to make this argument work?
F. What is the unstated assumption? Use the 4-step formula from the RTS
G. Would our group probably agree or disagree with the unstated assumption you found above? Why?
Part 2
Describe or explain the problem(s) you identify with the sample RTS.
A. Congress should boost the funding for stem cell research because stem cell research can help find a cure for baldness.
B. Genetically Modified Organisms are dangerous to the environment because they can do great harm to ecosystems.
C. The average annual rainfall in Brazilian rainforests has plummeted in recent years because the average daily temperature in Brazil has been higher than in the past.
D. The metabolic rate of people who exercise is higher than that of people who don't because of genetics.
E. The RTS stifles student creativity because students should be allowed to write their essays about whatever issues they think are important to them.
F. Women worldwide need access to effective birth control and safe abortions because the present lack of birth control in many nations, coupled with the high incidence of rape and forced marriage, is forcing women worldwide to become mothers against their wills.