Choose any television news or talk show that has an argumentative format and subject matter. If there is no access to a television, an Internet video of a similar show is also acceptable.

Watch an episode in which a guest is discussing a controversial issue. Analyze the discussion and evaluate the major claims and assumptions made by anyone involved in the discussion.

Include details of the news or talk show, such as the name of the show, the issue, and participants involved.

Write your evaluation of the discussion, addressing the following questions:

1) Discuss the assumptions of participants about the viewer's knowledge on the subject, beliefs on the issues, and values involving these issues.

2) What is the argumentative goal of each participant involved in the argument? Has this purpose been accomplished? Why or why not?

3) Discuss the kind of evidence that each participant used to back up his or her claims, such as examples, data, facts, expert opinions, testimonies, and personal experience. Also, specify the kind of evidence presented by each participant-specific, reliable, relevant, sufficient, up to date, or biased.

4) Which participants appeared more logical and reasonable? Explain.

5) Explain if the opposition's viewpoints are addressed by any of the participants.