Affirmative Action: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | In favor | Opposed | 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.
   affirmative action
   gender equity
   minority-group
   reverse discrimination
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   discrimination
   preference
   qualification
   quota
   remedy (n and v)
   • Locate 6 examples of each 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 and against affirmative action. Support your explanation with references to online resources.
4. 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):
   • Definition essay: What was the original meaning of the term "affirmative action" and how does that term relate to the ideas of "discrimination," "diversity," and "quotas?"
   • Argumentative essay: Do minorities (e.g., african-americans, religious minorities, women) face a lack of economic opportunities in the United States? Could this lack of opportunities (discrimination) best be solved by government action? Are there similar examples of discrimination in other countries?
   • Comparison essay: How does the Affirmative Action debate illustrate the difficulty of satisfying both individual and group rights? In your view, which are more important?
   • Classification essay: How should a school or business write an effective and useful affirmative action policy statement? What information should it be sure to include?
   • Narrative essay: What is the history of California Proposition 209? What are the arguments for and against this ballot initiative? What is your opinion on it?
5. Website analysis: As you explore the links on this page you will find that some make contradictory claims. Which of them do you feel most confident in trusting, and why? Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the same 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?
6. Poster project: Choose one of the affirmative action policy statements. Read and study it; then present its key points to the class in poster form.
7. 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.