Department of Liberal Studies

University of Technology, Jamaica

Academic Writing II Semester 2 2012-2013
Critical Thinking Case Study Assignment 1- 20%

Time: 1hr. 30mins.

Name: ___________________________

Lecturer: ____________________________

ID#:

Class day/time: _______________________

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SECTION A 16 marks
Instructions: Read the following scenario and answer ALL the questions which follow.
1. I cant believe that the government has decided to re-open the scrap metal trade Curtis
muttered his voice laced with disgust. I am truly a dunce to think they would have better sense
than that. Now I will have to start sleeping with one eye open again
I heard that comment Curt, his friend Marjorie retorted,
Well, so what if you heard, it isnt as if I am lying!! It is full time our government stops trying
to appease the masses and do what is of benefit to the entire country.
2. I am not sure I understand what you are getting at? Marjorie answered her tone more
puzzled than questioning. How is the reopening of the scrap metal trade not beneficial to our
country? Isnt it true that at its peak the country earned something in the region of US100 million
from the trade, and given our current fiscal situation we need every dime. Plus it also serves a
social function by creating well needed employment.
3. You know Marge, quoting that US 100 million in revenue is quite disingenuous, as you like
our politicians have conveniently forgotten that the trade also cost us some one billion in losses
over a couple years, and that does not include severe dislocations suffered by some companies.
As it relates to your so called social function Curtis continued hissing his teeth, I have several
other names I could call it and social function is not one.
Curtis, Marjorie responded in exasperation , sometimes it is hard talking to youyou can be
so oh so elitist and devoid of a social conscience.
4. Au contraire my dear Marjorie, Curtis answered with a smirk. It is my social conscience that
has me concerned about the reopening of this trade. Let me put it another way. The countrys
infrastructure has repeatedly fallen victim to those who feel they have a right to a guard rail or
manhole cover in the name of the trade. Yep and there are the private citizens who lose gates and
grills. Not to mention companies that suffer enormous theft in the name of the trade, now if that
makes me elitist then elitist I am.

5. Whatever, I still need to hear you dispute the fact that the trade provides much needed
employment. Look at that woman who told the Jamaica TV reporter that its the money from the
trade that she uses to support her twelve children, or those young men who say that they would
be murders if it were not for the trade.
6. Marge, Marge, Marge listen to yourself, Curtis replied sarcastically, so a trade that has
proven so problematic must be restarted to employ women whose primary profession is child
bearing, although they cannot even support a common fowl. As to those young - could be murderers, they need to abandon their eat a food mentality and go find a real trade. Ah bwoy
why am I even having such a conversation with you when I know not all issues should be
discussed with women. Curtis finished, shaking his head
7. Ok you two , said their friend Sheldon who had been quietly listening to the conversation.
You have both made good points. Marge you must admit that on too many occasions our
politicians make decisions in the name of political expediency and the scrap metal trade could be
one such example. While the trade does earn some amount of foreign exchange, the
corresponding losses tend to negate all that. You need to remember that even developed
countries with more law abiding citizens have problems with this trade, so it is no surprise that
we would suffer a similar fate.
Thank you, Sheldon, Curtis said grinning, You know I am always in awe of your Solomonic
wisdom
8. Thanks for the compliment my man, but I am not finished. Curt, the trade does provide
employment for the lower levels of the society, and if stringent measures are applied by the
necessary authorities then the trade may prove viable. Not everyone is lucky to have MBAs and
cushy jobs in New Kingston like us.
9. Sorry cant apologize for my enviable status, Curtis quickly returned, I worked hard for
what I have
You are a piece of work, boy Marjorie replied I give up
And you like this piece of work, dont you, Curtis laughed flexing his biceps, but with the
reopening of the trade you might not have this to look at any more as I may find my gym closed
due to scrap metal theft.
Marjorie could do nothing more than cut her eyes at her two friends who were laughing
hysterically and pounding fists.
Questions
1. In ONE clear sentence identify the main issue under discussion in this scenario. [1 Mark]
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2. In your opinion, which of the three friends best exhibits the characteristics of a critical
thinker? Give reasons for your response. [2 Marks]
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3. State ONE possible assumption that could be drawn from the statement Curtis makes about
women in last half of section 6
[1 Mark]
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4. Do you believe that blindly biased is an apt description of Curtis line of reasoning. Give
reasons in support of your response [1 Mark]
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5. Based on Marjories argument, construct a deductive argument she could use to convince her
friends that the reopening of the scrap metal trade is beneficial to the country. [3 Marks]
Major Premise:_________________________________________________________________
Minor Premise:_________________________________________________________________
Conclusion:____________________________________________________________________

6. Identify and construct the argument by analogy Sheldon uses in section 7 [3 Marks]
Premise:_______________________________________________________________________
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Premise:_______________________________________________________________________
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Conclusion:____________________________________________________________________
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7. Identify ONE instance of the use of the following appeals in the passage. [2 Marks]
(a) Pathos appeal:_______________________________________________________________
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(b) Logos appeal:_______________________________________________________________
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8. Identify and construct the type of argument Curtis uses in sections 3 & 4 to convince Marjorie
that reopening the trade is not a good idea. [3 Marks]
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SECTION B 4 marks
Examine the image below and in no more than 100 words write a response in which you:
(a) Clearly construct the argument being presented in the image
(b) Comment on the effectiveness of the image in making the argument you constructed in (a)

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