Viewpoint Continuum

The Viewpoint Continuum

The Viewpoint Continuum  Line of Argument  Thesis Statement 

Key Concepts

1) The Viewpoint Continuum • line representing a gradation of opinions • e.g.: from absolute agreement to absolute disagreement on a particular issue (0% to 100%) •Note: students should avoid sitting on the fence (50% landmine) 2) Line Of Argument (LOA) • LOA is what we arrive at after we have brainstormed our points, grouped, and prioritised them using the Continuum • overarching argument of essay • the basis on which the Thesis Statement is formed.

3) Thesis Statement • Located in the introduction of the essay • captures the LOA • makes clear the stand of the writer • usually written in 1 sentence, although sometimes a few sentences are needed to fully elaborate

Q: Is it true that the old must now learn from the young? What you have done in Unit 2 2. Applied SRC to the essay question 3. Generated points based on models such as CLSPERM, BURGER MODEL etc. 4. Identified the 2 absolutes (extreme views from the question)

5. Draw a Viewpoint Continuum and place the 2 extreme views at opposite ends 100%

0%

It is not a must (necessity) that the old learn from the young.

50% LAND MINE

It is a must (necessity) that the old learn from the young.

6.Arrange pts from CL-SPERM into the 2 ends of the scale. For each pt, use ICNG to determine the perspective(s). 100%

0%

It is not a must (necessity) that the old learn from the young.

50% LAND MINE

Cultural: Old are well-versed in traditional customs and cultures, esp. in rural areas and conservative societies (C) Economics: Old have work experience (I)

It is a must (necessity) that the old learn from the young. Cultural: For the sake of cross cultural communication (N) Economics: Changing economic landscape such as globalization and economic structure (N, G)

Science: Core fundamentals in science remain relatively unchanged (I)

Science: New technologies like Internet gives the young an edge (I, N)

Moral: The old are experienced; they possessed conventional moral values that have guided mankind (I, C)

Moral: Moral definitions need to be re-looked at due to spread of liberalism (I)

•

7. - modify / rebut the extreme ideas you have generated. Ask the “BUT” question!

50% LANDMINE

0% Not a must …

Cultural: Old are well-versed in traditional customs and cultures (C) Econ: Old have work experience (I) Sci: fundamentals in science remain mostly unchanged (I) Moral: The old have conventional moral values that have guided mankind (I, C)

BUT, these are less applicable in today's modern society, where for example, cross cultural communication is essential at a NATIONAL and GLOBAL level

BUT these may no longer be necessary skills in the new economy today. BUT these core fundamentals alone would not suffice if we want to continue to enhance the quality of our lives BUT new controversial issues today require a re-examination of certain values.

•

7. - modify / rebut the extreme ideas you have generated. Ask the “BUT” question!

50% LANDMINE

BUT the old should not blindly adopt other cultures. This could threaten the sense of identity BUT some traditional working ethics are still relevant

A must …

100%

Cultural: For cross cultural commx (N) Econ: Changing economic landscape e.g.: globalization, etc (N, G)

No rebuttal

Sci: New technologies give the young an edge (I, N)

Certain key values still remain relevant

Moral: Moral definitions need to be re-looked at due to spread of liberalism (I)

50% LANDMINE 0% Not a must … Cultural: Old are well-versed in traditional cultures (C)

A must …

BUT, less applicable in modern society, e.g., cross cultural commx for N, G level

Econ: Old have work experience (I) Sci: fundamentals remain mostly unchanged (I) Moral: The old have conventional moral values that have guided mankind (I, C)

BUT may not be needed in new economy BUT not enough to enhance the quality of life BUT new controversial issues require a reexamination of certain values.

BUT old should not blindly adopt cultures. BUT some traditional working ethics are still relevant

100%

Cultural: For cross cultural commx (N) Econ: Changing economic landscape e.g.: globalization, etc (N, G)

No rebuttal

Sci: New technologies give the young an edge (I, N)

Certain key values still remain relevant

Moral: Moral definitions need to be re-looked at due to spread of liberalism (I)

NOTE: •For this question, the "BUT" points happen to be the corresponding points at the other end of the scale. Thus, the "BUT" points from one end of the scale actually neatly emphasise the corresponding points on the other end of the scale. •For other questions, "BUT" points might be discrete items that are different from the opposite view.

50% LANDMINE 0% Not a must … Cultural: Old are well-versed in traditional cultures (C)

A must …

BUT, less applicable in modern society, e.g., cross cultural commx for N, G level

Econ: Old have work experience (I) Sci: fundamentals remain mostly unchanged (I) Moral: The old have conventional moral values that have guided mankind (I, C)

BUT may not be needed in new economy BUT not enough to enhance the quality of life BUT new controversial issues require a reexamination of certain values.

BUT old should not blindly adopt cultures. BUT some traditional working ethics are still relevant

100%

Cultural: For cross cultural commx (N) Econ: Changing economic landscape e.g.: globalization, etc (N, G)

No rebuttal

Sci: New technologies give the young an edge (I, N)

Certain key values still remain relevant

Moral: Moral definitions need to be re-looked at due to spread of liberalism (I)

How do I choose which stand to take?

QUANTITY and QUALITY A. Look at QUANTITY by: Determining where majority of points / rebuttal would be

•Clearly expressed and persuasive •Insightful and original •High interest value

Quality ideas are…

•Is relevant to the question/ topic.

•Able to substantiate argument significantly •Use apt examples •Shows awareness of wide information

How? B. Look at QUALITY by: Considering the following questions: 1)Representation: -Is your idea representative of reality? 2)Are the arguments fallacious? - Contradictory to the rules of logical thinking? 3)Validity of rebuttals? From here, decide which end of the scale you are more inclined towards.

Label your groups of points on the scale as follow: - SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS : Points on the end of the scale that you are more inclined towards - PARAMETERS/ LIMITATIONS: points that rebut your "REASONS" i.e. limitations / constraints you need to acknowledge that determine the validity of your stand - OPPOSING ARGUMENTS: Points on the other end of the scale - REBUTTALS: points that rebut your "COUNTER-ARGUMENTS.

50% LANDMINE 0% Not a must … Cultural: Old are well-versed in traditional cultures (C)

BUT, less applicable in modern society, e.g., cross cultural commx for N, G level

Econ: Old have work experience (I) Sci: fundamentals remain mostly unchanged (I) Moral: The old have conventional moral values that have guided mankind (I, C)

OPPOSING ARGUMENTS

A must …

BUT may not be needed in new economy BUT not enough to enhance the quality of life BUT new controversial issues require a reexamination of certain values.

REBUTTALS

BUT old should not blindly adopt cultures. BUT some traditional working ethics are still relevant

100%

Cultural: For cross cultural commx (N) Econ: Changing economic landscape e.g.: globalization, etc (N, G)

No rebuttal

Sci: New technologies give the young an edge (I, N)

Certain key values still remain relevant

Moral: Moral definitions need to be re-looked at due to spread of liberalism (I)

PARAMETERS (LIMITATIONS )

SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS

9. Finally, rearrange your points in an order that would logically present your argument. This would be the LOA. A sample is given below. 2.

Possible LOA to take: SUPPORTING + REBUTTALS ARGUMENTS

80%

+

PARAMETER SETTERS + OPPOSING ARGUMENTS

20%

An 80/20 Approach LOA: The old need to learn from the young because the demands (e.g. economic, science, etc.) in today's ever-changing environment are better met by characteristics possessed by the young. No doubt the old are valued for their experience. However, this alone will not help the old tackle the present challenges. 4.

From the LOA, you can now craft the Thesis.

Thesis: Despite the fact that the old still retain their value in today's world, it is undeniable that to cope with conditions in a rapidlychanging environment, they need to learn a lot more from the young.

Use what you have learnt to work out the: 3. Viewpoint continuum 4. LOA and 5. Thesis for your chosen question from last week.

Task!

End