Thinking Critically: “Walking the Tightrope”
Sylvan Barnet, Hugo Bedau, John O’Hara
Activity Objective: Examine the low-stakes thesis statement provided and expand it into a high-stakes thesis by including the importance of asserting it and by proposing a possible response. See the Low Stakes Thesis 1 (Example) tab for an example.
The activity objective is to examine the low-stakes thesis statement provided and expand it into a high-stakes thesis by including the importance of asserting it and by proposing a possible response. An example has been done for you below.
Low Stakes Thesis 1: Good nutrition and exercise can lead to healthy life.
Sample revision into a high-stakes thesis: One way to help solve the epidemic obesity problem in the United States is to remind consumers of a basic fact accepted by nearly all reputable health experts: Good nutrition and exercise can lead to a healthy life.
Directions: Examine the low-stakes thesis below and expand it into a high-stakes thesis by including the importance of asserting it and by proposing a possible response. See the Low Stakes Thesis 1 (Example) tab for an example.
Low-Stakes Thesis 2: Every qualified American should vote.
Directions: Examine the low-stakes thesis below and expand it into a high-stakes thesis by including the importance of asserting it and by proposing a possible response. See the Low Stakes Thesis 1 (Example) tab for an example.
Low-Stakes Thesis 3: Spanking children is good/bad.
Directions: Examine the low-stakes thesis below and expand it into a high-stakes thesis by including the importance of asserting it and by proposing a possible response. See the Low Stakes Thesis 1 (Example) tab for an example.
Low-Stakes Thesis 4: Electric cars will reduce air pollution.