Chapter 42: Problem 2

Consider a controversial issue from both sides. Select a current chemical topic being discussed in the newspapers or other media. Controversial issues such as 'nuclear energy' or 'global warming' would be good examples. Next, write out a statement that you might use for a motion in a debate, such as 'Is nuclear energy the solution to our energy problems?' or 'Is global warming really happening?'Then, write at least five points in support of either side of the argument, which you should organise in tabular form. If you can find more than five points, add these to your table, but for each point that you add to one side, you should add one to the other side.

Short Answer

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The issue selected is 'the use of GMOs in agriculture', with a debate question: 'Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be used in agriculture?'. Points for the Pro-GMO side include increased yield, enhanced nutritional content, reduced pesticide use, ability to grow in unfavorable conditions, and potential to fight world hunger. Points for the Anti-GMO side include potential health risks, impact on ecosystems, genetic 'pollution', control of agriculture by biotech companies, and ethical concerns. The points are then arranged in tabular form.

Step by step solution

Selecting the Issue

Begin by selecting a controversial chemical issue that is currently being discussed in the media. Let's take, for example, 'the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture'.

Formulate a Debate Statement

Next, formulate a statement or question for a debate about this issue. In this case, it could be: 'Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be used in agriculture?'.

Research on the Topic

Conduct detailed research about the selected topic. Gather strong and valid points for both sides of the argument. Make sure the sources used are reliable and accurate.

List Supporting Points for Pro-GMO stance

Now, list at least five points which support the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture. For example: 1) Increased yield 2) Enhanced nutritional content 3) Reduced use of pesticides 4) Ability to grow in unfavorable conditions 5) Can help fight world hunger.

List Supporting Points for Anti-GMO stance

Consequently, list at least five points against the use of GMOs in agriculture such as: 1) Potential health risks 2) Negative impact on natural ecosystems 3) Genetic 'pollution' 4) Monopolistic control over agriculture by biotech companies 5) Ethical concerns about tampering with nature.

Arrange in a Table

Finally, arrange these points in a tabular form: one column for pro-GMO points, and another for anti-GMO points. Balance out the number of points, for every argument on one side, there should be a corresponding point on the other side.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Selecting the Issue

Formulate a Debate Statement

Research on the Topic

List Supporting Points for Pro-GMO stance

List Supporting Points for Anti-GMO stance

Arrange in a Table

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