HERE ARE THE RUBRICS & SAMPLES TO GUIDE YOUR BLOG POSTS. REMEMBER TO LABEL EACH POST WITH YOUR 2 NAMES & TOPIC.
GUIDING RUBRICS
Summary of Iraq Child Bill Article
A draft law before Iraq's parliament that would legalise the marriage of girls as young as nine and restrict women's rights in matters of parenting, divorce and inheritance has generated widespread debate. Officials say that the law is a political move to define the identity of the country's majority Shias before next month's election. This is an attempt by Fadila to show Iraqis that they represent the Shia and want to make their identity clear before the election. They defended the draft law in the name of democracy, and religion. However, International human rights groups have described it as a disastrous regression in the status of women and a discriminatory step backward for Iraq's women and girls.
Reader’s Response :
I do not agree with this law. Firstly, the cultural perspective must be taken into account to consider why this law is discriminatory. In many cultures, men are perceived to be the guardian and protectors of women and children. Hence, men are socially constructed to have the responsibility of taking good care of the perceived weak. However, in this case, the news report seems to suggest that this role might be abused by men. Perhaps, it is assumed that men will take good care of women, a belief that is something taken for granted. Take for example, the infamous rape case in India. It is important to ensure women are protected, not by men, but the mechanism that will enforce it-the law. The Woman’s Charter in Singapore is a clear example to ensure those who discriminate or abuse women are dealt with. Secondly, what makes this law uncomfortable for some would be allowing girls to marry at aged nine. In the eyes of many, nine is not an age where girls should be married as there can be no way that they understand what marriage is really about. Without such autonomy of knowledge, it can be seen that girls are merely objects of possession, not as equals in a marriage. If girls are always seen as objects of possession, they will be discriminated perpetually. Hence, this law does not view girls and women as equals, but definitely lower than men.
SAMPLE COMMENT ON ABOVE POST
SAMPLE COMMENT ON ABOVE POST
WenChen & ZiHao said:
Writer states his different perspective explicitly. This helps in guiding the reader to focus on the perspective given. Writer did not explain why men in other cultures are perceived in this way. It would be good to give the context to show relevance. They did not explain the example of the rape case clearly so the relevance may not be understood The response is somewhat relevant to answer the question though explanations are not clear. |
GUIDING RUBRICS
Reading Guide
1.
Is the writer a fair one? Is the article balanced?
Does it acknowledge opposing perspectives? Does the article honestly review flaws/limitations?
2.
Context: If the article explores a culturally
different society compared to yours, is it still relevant? Why?
3.
Find specific claims that you can agree or disagree
with.
4.
If you agree: Consider why. What are the key points
and why are they significant? Is the data supported by other independent
sources?
5.
If you disagree: Consider why. Are there any
gaps/issues not addressed (but should be)? Are claims well substantiated? Are
the reasons provided logical or are there inappropriate logical leaps made? Do
you think the author might be biased?
Reader’s Response
Rubric
1.
Provide a summary of 1 main argument; to show your
understanding of the article.
2.
Then state your stand regarding this writer’s
argument; explaining your stand with reasons for your belief and evidence or
examples
3.
Content: Writer shows very good understanding of
the terms and issues, and addresses them cogently in the answer.
4.
Coherence: Very clear paragraph structure, well
organised ideas with good use of connectors and linking words.
Guiding Questions for
the Critique
1.
On analysis of the question: Is the response
relevant to answer the question? Does it state the grounds in which it agree or
disagree with the statements given explicitly?
2.
On the argument: What makes the explanation
convincing or otherwise? Are the ideas linked together? Give a suggestion for
improvement where necessary.
3.
On supporting evidence: Is there sufficient
evidence to support the view given? Is the evidence relevant to support the
view?
