Abortion: Questions

Topics | Society | Introduction | Definitions | Pro-choice | Pro-life | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to read, think, talk, or write about as you explore the resources on this topic:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   pro-life
   pro-choice
   Roe vs. Wade
   (anti) abortion legislation
   RU-486
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   ban
   induce
   procedure
   terminate
   • Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of abortion and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
   • Paraphrase the example sentences.
   • Write 2 sentences using each word.
   • List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments for issues of abortion. Support your explanation with references to online resources. You might want to use one or more of the following questions as a basis for you presentation:
   • What are the main points of the argument against abortion rights?
   • What are the main points of the argument for abortion rights?
   • Why do opponents of legalized abortion call themselves "pro-life" while supporters of legalized abortion call themselves "pro-choice"?
4. Role-play: With another student, prepare and present to the class a role-play in which one student is a woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy, and the other is a friend whom she goes to for advice.
5. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Classification essay: When people discuss abortion they often mean different things. Write an essay explaining the different kinds of procedure (including drugs) that have been called 'abortion.'
   • Comparison essay: What are the areas of agreement and disagreement between those who would describe themselves ad 'pro-life' and those who are 'pro-choice'? Is there any area for possible compromise or agreement between the two sides?
   • Argumentative essay: Where do you stand on the subject of abortion. Explain your point of view, including both those areas in which you are certain of your opinion, and those areas in which you are less sure.
6. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
7. Poster project: Research the history of the law regarding birth control and abortion in the United States or in another country. Present the history to the class in an oral report, using a poster to illustrate important dates; you may want to use a timeline.
8. Your links: Find one or two sites which people who have used this page might want to explore. Note the URLs and write a brief description of why people would like to visit these sites.