Assignment/Activity Title—Critical Thinking Paper-Enforcing Safe Zones in Syria Year—Freshman Skill— Writing Portfolio Competency—Social Awareness The Critical Thinking Paper is an argumentative research essay CAP students complete at the end of their Freshman and Sophomore years. In the essay, I argue for one side of an issue, and next year, I will argue for the opposite side. I had to choose a topic for which I could find supporting evidence on either side. One day in History Class, Mr. Grossman showed us a video which depicted the oppressive treatment and circumstances of Syrian civilians. When Mr. Grossman asked us what ‘we thought should be done, the class seemed pretty divided. Some people believed that it was imperative for the United States military to deploy in Syria and protect Syrian civilians from their own government; others decided that military involvement would just create a bigger mess, especially with the global superpower supporting the Syrian government, Russia. I decided to write about this issue of U.S. involvement in Syria for my Critical Thinking Paper. ‘After some preliminary research, I discovered that there was much more support for the argument against military involvement than there was for it, but there was still a substantial amount on either side, I decided argue for military involvement this year, so that I would have an ‘easier time next year finding supportive evidence; however, I ran into trouble when one of my teachers asked me about my topic. My teacher told me that it was too ridiculous for me to argue for the involvement of the USS. military because it would start World War 3, and that she didn't understand why I would ever think this was a good idea, I assured her that it may not be my personal view, but that it‘would be good for me to argue for both sides, that way, I could have a greater perspective on this ‘issue; afterall, this was the purpose of the assignment. This experience showed me how passionate some people feel about certain sides of an issue. This assignment showed me how important to lea about both sides of an issue in order to have a greater perspective. In the future, when I am faced with an issue, I will research both sides, so that I can empathize with supporters of both sides and be well informed in discussion. Stden Signature Printhere |S A. Newman > Date fy le b Teacher: ey) Date: iA S} byl