Issue Analysis Home

Lesson: awi04t05

Taking The Prompt Apart Continued

Here's the prompt we'll be working with today. Read it through, and then go to the task below.
Some people believe that second-language fluency is crucial to individual development and international accord, and so they maintain that language training should begin very early. Others feel that second-language fluency is not necessary to most Americans, and that elementary school should be devoted to basic skills.
Which argument do you find more compelling, the case for early foreign language learning or the opposing viewpoint? Explain your position using relevant reasons or examples drawn from your own experience, observations, or reading.

Frame the basic issue as a question. Do this in your head or on scratch paper now, and then click Continue.

Sum up the opposing sides: "Those in favor believe X; those opposed believe Y." (Do that in your head or on scratch paper, and then click Continue)

Interpret terms that need interpretation. (Think about what they are and what they mean, and then click Continue)

"Fluency": That means, "speak like a native."
"Individual development": Suggests a person's intellectual and moral growth.
"International accord": Sounds like "countries getting along."
"Basic skills": Sounds like the 3R's, doesn't it? And maybe science as well?
Focus on abstract or "highfalutin" nouns. They're the ones that need definition, and your essay will be stronger when you provide it.
You're not looking for The One Right Definition. You just want to make sense out of some vague or abstract terms.
Once you've taken apart the prompt, go on to Step Two. Back Next div>

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