Assignment Task: The antithesis is the opposite of your thesis-- you should mention the antithesis in your document and then prove it wrong. This assignment will help you understand more about the importance of the antithesis and how to use it in a strategic way.
Here's what you're going to do:
1. Write down your antithesis-- this should be 1-2 sentences. Your antithesis may not be obvious at first-- it may require some thought.
Here are two examples:
Thesis: Stem cell research should be banned.
Antithesis: Stem cell research should not be banned.
Thesis: Vancouver, BC is the best place to retire.
Antithesis: Vancouver, BC is not the best place to retire.
2. Find three examples of your antithesis in fact form-- do this research on the internet or in the library.
3. Write down each web address or print source that mentions your antithesis.
You may use one or all of these sources for your research document.
4. Now write one paragraph for each example of your antithesis, incorporating your antithesis, any documentation if necessary and your opinions based on the antithesis.
When you finish, you'll have three paragraphs. Each paragraph should be at least 6-8 sentences, if not longer.
You can use all or some of the paragraphs you write in this module, in your document, too.
Here is an example: Religion_Now.com, states: "A woman shouldn't have the right to chose whether or not to get an abortion: Abortion should be illegal" (Smith 3). This researcher disagrees with Mr. Smith because.... and ..... ; in addition, Mr. Smith does not take into consideration that... ; furthermore...
5. Respond to TWO posts. Write one paragraph per post. When writing a response, make sure to be respectful of others. When writing a response, please think about the main idea of their post and write down your opinions and new ideas that may be helpful for the author.
The learning objectives for this assignment are as follows:
A. To explore the opposite of what you are proving and to think critically about how and where this will fit into your document and how it will enhance the writing process. This relates to becoming a critical and analytical researcher.
B. To show that you can write clear and concise paragraphs that explain how the antithesis fits in your document and to prove it wrong for the reader. This relates to organizing your evidence in a strategic way to prove your thesis.
C. To address the reader's concerns about the antithesis by thinking logically and keeping an open mind during the process of analyzing information. This relates to writing an organized research document that incorporates the antithesis.
D. To read other student ideas and to respond in thoughtful analytical ways to their opinions about these topics. This relates to interacting with your peers and to sharing your ideas based on their thoughts and opinions.