Death Penalty: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | Statistics | Case Studies | 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.
   cruel and unusual punishment
   death row
   human rights
   lethal injection
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   abolish
   deterrent
   mitigate
   testimony
   • 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 and against capital punishment. Support your explanation with references to online resources.
4. Role-play: With two or three other students, rehearse and play out a panel discussion on a proposal to institute (or to abolish) the death penalty.
5. 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?
6. 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):
   • Comparison essay: Read all four of the case studies presented in the four actual courtroom cases section of the Death Penalty Project. Decide whether you would want the death penalty applied in all, some, or none of the cases; explain your decision with reference to all four cases.
   • Narrative essay: Research the history of the use of the death penalty during the last 50 years in the United States or another country in which the use of the death penalty has changed during that time. Explain the reasons for the major changes in the application of capital punishment, and if possible the results of the changes. If possible, predict how you think the country might use the death penalty in the future.
   • Argumentative essay: Write an essay arguing either that 'the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to crime' or that 'the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime'
7. Poster Project: research the use of the death penalty around the world. Make a poster showing the use of capital punishment in 4 or 5 representative (typical) countries. Explain your poster to the group.
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.