Home · For Teachers · Position Paper: Is the Pill Safe?
11-12
Position Paper: Is the Pill Safe?
Project type: Web Quest
Related topic:
The Birth Control Pill
The Birth Control Pill
Subjects
Social Studies
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
Summary
Using a variety of Web-based resources, students will research and write a position paper about whether or not they believe the birth control pill is safe.
Purpose
To support a position in writing
PDF
Before Exploring
Birth control is a sensitive issue for many reasons, and there are many opinions on the subject. The use of the birth control pill raises the issue of health and safety, and students will address this issue during this activity.
Be sure to review with students the key elements of a position paper. You might also consider qualifying the term ‘safe.’
Outline the Opportunity
Students will write a position paper about whether or not they believe the birth control pill is safe. They will first review the eight clips on the topic The Birth Control Pill, on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. When they have reviewed the clips, they will then view the additional clip called “The most conclusive study on the pill declares it safe.” Students can do further research using the Internet and any other relevant resources. From their research, students should decide which position they support, then write a 750 to 1000 word essay on whether or not the birth control pill is safe to use.
Revisit and Reflect
Hold an informal discussion with students and allow them to share what they learned through their research, what position they chose to support, and why they chose that position.
