In preparation for this Journal entry, please review the following persuasive essay topic choices: 

1. Consider media censorship, particularly for the radio and primetime TV. Do you think that it is necessary or justified? Are there times when censorship goes over the top? Or do you think current censorship policies aren't enough?
2. Should the United States be more lenient with its legal drinking age? Should the drinking age be lowered to 18 (which is the age when you can legally vote, enlist in the military, and buy cigarettes)? Should minors be allowed to drink in their home with their parents' consent?
3. Should sexual education be taught in public schools? Should sexual education be abstinence-only?
4. Should there be more restrictions on who is allowed to purchase firearms? Why or why not? What additional restrictions for firearm control might be more effective?

In Module 7, you will submit a final draft of the Persuasive Essay Prompt that focuses on one of the four topics you have selected here. For that assignment, you will write an essay arguing a position on the topic of your choosing. Be sure to consider, accommodate, and refute at least one opposing point of view in a thoughtful, respectful, and logical manner. For this journal entry, you are expected to use sources in the Opposing Viewpoints Database to contemplate the complexity of the issue, entertain multiple perspectives, and consider new ideas while you allow your thinking on the issue to evolve. You will then respond to the following journal questions: 

Which of the 4 persuasive topics did you choose? What is your thesis statement? What is your position on the topic? Include 2-3 points to support your position. Identify at least two sources that you will use to support the points. What is at least one opposing viewpoint? Include 2-3 points to refute the opposing position. Identify at least one source that you will use to support the points