Controversial Issues in our World Today

First: What does “Controversial Issue” Mean? A controversial issue is something that not everyone agrees on; there is debate – some people are in favor of it, and some people are against it. A controversial issue is something that not everyone agrees on; there is debate – some people are in favor of it, and some people are against it. An example of a current controversial issue is whether Chaz Bono, a transgendered man, should be allowed to participate in a family television show (Dancing with the Stars). An example of a current controversial issue is whether Chaz Bono, a transgendered man, should be allowed to participate in a family television show (Dancing with the Stars).

Are these controversial issues? (Are there two legitimate sides to these issues?) 1. Cigarettes can lead to illness and death. 2. President Obama’s mandatory health care reform bill. 3. Ten years ago, the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists. 4. Muslims plan to build a mosque near Ground Zero. 5. Undocumented immigrants deserve the same rights as natural-born citizens of the U.S. 6. There are millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Are these controversial issues? (Are there two legitimate sides to these issues?) 1. Cigarettes can lead to illness and death. (Not controversial) 2. President Obama’s mandatory health care reform bill. (Controversial) 3. Ten years ago, the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists. (Not controversial) 4. Muslims plan to build a mosque near Ground Zero. (Controversial) 5. Undocumented immigrants deserve the same rights as natural-born citizens of the U.S. (Controversial) 6. There are millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. (Not controversial)

Brainstorm With your team, brainstorm some controversial issues that are in the news NOW. With your team, brainstorm some controversial issues that are in the news NOW. Class share-out of brainstorm Class share-out of brainstorm

What you need to do Get a newspaper, or go online to sites such as LA Times, NY Times, OC Register, Time Magazine or other valid news sites, and print up articles about a controversial topic that interests you. Get a newspaper, or go online to sites such as LA Times, NY Times, OC Register, Time Magazine or other valid news sites, and print up articles about a controversial topic that interests you. Read the articles and formulate your opinion on the controversial issue of your choice. Read the articles and formulate your opinion on the controversial issue of your choice. Choose a clear stance on the issue. Choose a clear stance on the issue. Come up with details to support your opinions Come up with details to support your opinions

Homework We will discuss the articles and issues on Monday, so you must bring them that day! We will discuss the articles and issues on Monday, so you must bring them that day! We will write about them on Tuesday We will write about them on Tuesday