TASK 1- ANALYSIS OF AN ISSUE:

TASK REQUIREMENT:

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the
reason on which that claims is based.

• Explain: Explain the complexities of the issue and decide on your POINT OF VIEW.

• Stand: Indicate whether you agree/ disagree/ take a middle path about the issue

• Reason & Example: Provide suitable reasons for your statement and back the reasons with
example

Template for Analysis of an Issue

Step#1 Analysis of issue- Brainstorming:

This process will help in generating the content for the issue by answering few questions

• What is the point at issue- Use keywords in the issue to identify the main topic. Convert the
sentence into a question, so that the question becomes easier to understand

• What is your stand- Indicate whether you agree/ disagree/ or both

• What is the reason for your stand-Are there any Circumstances and Examples supporting your
reasons- provide innovative ideas and avoid hypothetical examples

• Grade your response- Based on uniqueness, example and relevance

Step#2 Template

This will help in organizing the content generated through brainstorming

 Introductory Paragraph

Theme: Explain the complexity of the topic- Preview both sides of the issue- present your stand on the
issue

No of Lines: 3 sentences (7 to 8 lines)

Format:

• Explain the issue: Use a quote, anecdote, statics, question or Definition as an opening line

• Preview the two sides:

While some people feel that (counter view), most are of the opinion that (your view)

Despite the assertion that (counter view), it is imperative that (your view)

On one hand, (counter view) On the other hand, ( your view)

• Present your stand on the issue

I believe that______

I am of the opinion that______

In my view_____

I agree with the author that____

Second Paragraph

Theme: Develop and support your stand using reason#1 and relevant examples

No of Lines: 10 to 11 lines - 3 to 4 sentences

Format:

• The chief reason for my view is (Reason 1). For example (Example). Finally (restate the main
stand)

• One reason for my fundamental agreement with speaker is that____. For instance____. Thus___

• One compelling reason for my belief is that ___. This is illustrated by___. Hence___

Third Paragraph
Theme: Develop and support your stand using Reason#2 and relevant examples

No of lines: 10 to 11 lines -3 to 4 sentences

Format:

• Another reason for my view is (reason1) let’s look at the example of (example). The result is
(restate the main stand)

• The second reason why I agree with the speaker is that___ for Instance__. Therefore___

• Secondly ___. We are aware of___. So___

• Finally, perhaps most importantly___. Consequently___(incase II reason is the final reason)

Fourth Paragraph ( only if you have a counter point)

Theme: Acknowledge a competing viewpoint and provide a suitable rebuttal which will support your
stand despite the counterview.

No of lines: 4 sentences

Format:

• However, provide the counter viewpoint. But (provide the rebuttal). After weighing both the
side we can conclude that the (show how your stand is more important than the other counter
view)

• Some might argue that ____yet ___. However, in the final analysis____

Conclusion Paragraph:

Theme: Stress upon your position by restating the main point from the body paragraphs

No of lines: 2 sentences

Format:

• In sum, because (mention the reason from body paragraphs).Accordingly, (mention the final
stand)

• For all these reasons stated above, I therefore believe that ( main stand)
 • In conclusion it is clear that (Main Stand)

• In sum, I concur that (Main Stand)

Template Variations:

Para#1: State and elaborate the position which you will contradict

Para#2: State and elaborate the position which you will support

Para#3: Support your position with reason#1

Para#4: Further support your position with reason #2

Para#5: Conclusion

Point to note while doing Analysis of an issue

• Try and take a politically correct opinion

• Talk about both sides of the issues but your position should emerge as the strongest overall

• Maintain the organization of the passage and never misspell the key structure words

Pace yourself

Brainstorming: 4-5 min

Organize the content in the template- 2 min

Typing the Essay- 20 min

Review and edit- 3 min

 Sample Questions:

1) As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think
for themselves will surely deteriorate.

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning
for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your
position.

2) The best way to teach— whether as an educator, employer, or parent—is to praise positive actions
and ignore negative ones.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In
developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or
examples that could be used to challenge your position.

3. Claim: We can usually learn much more from people whose views we share than from those whose
views contradict our own.
Reason: Disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the
reason on which that claim is based.

4. People should undertake risky action only after they have carefully considered its consequences.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the
recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting
your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would
not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.

5. Some people believe that the purpose of education is to free the mind and the spirit. Others believe
that formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than set them free.
Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and
explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should
address both of the views presented.