Exercise 1.2 elements 1 & 2

Information that both supports and challenges claims about the benefits and dangers of vitamin C are listed below.
Things I might say in a paper arguing for the benefits of vitamin C.

• It is required for the growth and repair of tissues.
• It is necessary for the production of collagen.
• It is essential for healing wounds.
• Essential for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth.
• Good for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
• Helps dryness of mucous membranes in the lungs.
• Protects from free radical attacks.
• Helps the ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and other diseases by increasing white blood cell count.

Things I might say in a paper arguing for the dangers of vitamin C.

• Can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea or indigestion.
•  High doses can cause kidney stones.
• Stomach cramps and headache can occur if taken in high doses.
• May cause hardening of the arteries.

Record of websites that I visited

http://www.benefitsofvitamins.org/

http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/vitamin-c-dictionary.htm
http://len7288.hubpages.com/hub/Amazing_Health_Benefits_of_Vitamin_C
http://juicerrecipesnow.com/vitamin-c-benefits/ 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/344240-the-benefits-and-dangers-of-vitamin-c
http://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/09/us/taking-too-much-vitamin-c-can-be-dangerous-study-finds.html 
http://medicmagic.net/dangers-of-too-much-vitamin-c.html

Review of essay topics

In reviewing the essay topics, I found that the topic "Media Regulations" sounds interesting. I also think "Public Identity and Technology" and "Multicultural Learning: What Are the Priorities?" would be interesting also.
I would really like to avoid "Science and Religion". I guess the reason why I feel that way is because my religion is very important to me and I have strong faith in it. Faith to me is something hoped for but not to have a perfect knowledge of. I think when science gets involved it seems to want to crush faith somehow. I don't think it always does but I just want to avoid it.
If I could add another topic it would be Media Violence and It's Effects on Society or something that deals with researching self esteem in young adults. I am interested in these subjects and would like to research either of these topics. I believe a positive self esteem at a young age is important. I would like to research what creates a positive self esteem or a negative self esteem in young adults. I also would like to write a well crafted argument about the effects of media violence on our children or society in general. I think that media violence is effecting young children and I would like to argue that it is effecting out society as a whole.

Expectations for the course

In reviewing the table of contents, I expect the course to cover the process of developing an argumentative thesis statement. I expect to learn the steps to writing a well researched essay that is organized, supportive to the topic and persuasive.
My first thoughts are that this class will be very challenging for me. I am very interested in learning about writing an argumentative research paper. I know it will be beneficial to my education and I am excited to learn new things. I am however very nervous.

Spot Check Criteria

I think a 4-rating on a posting requires that I have a journal entry that is clear and researched to the best of my ability. I think it also requires providing examples and analysis that stay on the topic of the posting, supporting the idea. In the entry I should use different views, if appropriate and stay within the the limits of the topic. The posting should go into as much detail as possible. It should keep the reader interested and flow smoothly. It should contain well thought out and researched support of the topic.

Elements 1 and 2 of Exercise 1.1

1. The definitions of argument, debate, dispute and quarrel differ in several ways. I found that in the definition of quarrel it included the word "angry" which was not included in the other definitions. This means to me that is is an emotional disagreement.  In looking up debate, it differed by explaining that it is a formal discussion or argument. It is something planned out, scheduled and prepared for.  An argument is showing or demonstrating a truth or falsehood. This could be used in researching something to show how it could be false. The dictionary mentioned the word argument as a proof of evidence. Dispute was stated as something to argue about or question the truth or validity. So to me, it would be something to use if you have questions about the statements presented and wanted to research further. The differences I found seem to be in the way that you presented your disagreement, whether it was emotionally, formally, researched or questioned.
They overlap by using some of the same wording to define the different words. They are basically the same concept that they all are disagreements that are presented in different ways.

2. I haven't had much experience with debate. I have only watched political debates. I don't participate in any debates but do enjoy watching them. I feel as though they are very important and educational. I like that they are in a controlled environment and even timed.
I have had plenty of experience with arguments. My children have presented me with their argument, that they can still do good in school without the proper amount of sleep. I would argue that they cannot. Which I will demonstrate to them when the report cards come home.
I also have had experience with disputing. For example, I dispute the fact that my daughter came home before 1:00am last week. I question the validity of that information and will have a verbal discussion with her.
Now we come to the word quarrel. I have used this in my life more than I care to admit. I have a lot of experiences to choose from. I have and will quarrel with my husband to get my side of the issue understood. My emotions seem to get involved to some degree, mostly because I am discussing the issues when I am already upset.