Title: Critical Thinking Essay 1
Author: lcw
Last saved by: Richard Solomon
Company: Microsoft

Government 2306
Critical Thinking Essay 1
Due Tuesday, October 6
Late Day (two points deducted) – October 7 

Follow the link in the instructions to a portion of the New York Times website entitled “Does Our Voting System Need to be Fixed?” which shows links to six different editorial essays.  Click on and read the one entitled “Nationalize Oversight and Control” by Richard Hasen.  After you have read it, click on and read the one entitled “Local Officials Must Remain in Control” by R. Doug Lewis. Read both editorials carefully. 

As I discussed in the “Analytical Essay Writing” guide (see the link in the “Course Resources” module on the Content page), editorials are examples of “persuasive” writing where the author tries to convince you that his/her opinion on an issue is the correct one.  Your assignment is to write an essay which analyzes those arguments and uses that analysis to support your own opinion.

For this essay, compare and contrast the arguments made in each of these two editorials and tell me which one you thought was more convincing.  Before you start to write, think about the following questions:

-	Did you have an opinion on this issue before you read the editorials? What was it and why?
-	If you had an opinion, do you have the same opinion after reading the editorials or did you change your mind?
-	Which arguments were effective in helping you form an opinion?  Why?
-	Which arguments were not effective or seemed irrelevant?  Why?

You should use the information provided in the link, plus your own experiences and perceptions, to analyze the writer’s conclusions.  Remember this is an essay which should have an introduction, a body and conclusion.  Don’t just  submit short answers to the questions set out above; they are only there to help you start thinking about what you want to write.  Your paper should be 2-4 pages in length and fully address the issues raised; provide examples and specifics to support your opinion.  If you use outside resources, make sure you include the title, author and publication information for those resources.    

Read the “Announcements” in the upcoming weeks for additional information about online resources and writing assistance available through LoneStar libraries and tutoring centers.