1. How does Bazelon look at the many arguments against a ban on spanking? How does she address these arguments with her own refutations and arguments for a ban? Do you think that she fairly considers counterarguments? (See “Understand opposing claims and points of view”, and “Anticipate objections”.)

2. Who are the key stakeholders in this debate — that is, whom does spanking directly affect, and who should care most about it? Make a list of people involved in this debate, and rank them in order of the impact that spanking has on their lives. How does Bazelon address these different stakeholders in the essay? Does she pay attention to the right people? How could identifying the stakeholders in an issue influence your own argumentative writing?

3. Bazelon uses hard evidence and other forms of research to support her arguments. Make an outline of her use of research: What kinds of research does she cite, what authority does it have, and how exactly does she use it to support her own claims? (See “Assemble your hard evidence,”; “Creating a structure,”; Chapter 40, “Evaluating Sources”; and Chapter 44, “Incorporating Sources into Your Work”.)

4. WRITING: Many people find it easy to criticize or second-guess parents. Write a short argument paper that makes a few suggestions to parents about how to best raise children. Keep in mind that your audience of parents might not want your advice, so write accordingly, considering possible counterarguments.