(6/2) Identifiying Issues 101

Overview

An issue is something that can be debated, they will always have two sides. If you can't establish two sides they're can be a debate. When you express your understanding of the issue you need to identify and communicate the notion of their being two sides.


The easiest way to do this is through "a whether or not" statement. Such a statement is by no means revolutionary but it will get the job done.


Whether or NOT


By saying whether or not you are establishing two sides. Whether you side with my opinion or you NOT. Two sides makes on issue. To use a 'whether or not' statement you begin with...

 

'The issue of whether or not... has been discussed in the media lately.'

 

But that's not all

 

The words 'Gay Marriage' are not an issue statement, nor is the statement 'The issue of Gay Marriage,' or 'Whether or not gay marriage' you must be very clear when establishing that their are two sides to the issue. None of the previous statements established that there are two sides of the issue. Two sides that someone could argue. You need to ask yourself, what is it about 'Gay Marriage that makes it an issue?'. A quality response to this question shows that you understand the complexities and intricacies of the issue.

 

What is it about 'Gay Marriage that makes it an issue?'

 

1) Is it whether it should be allowed?

 

2) Is it whether we should change our laws?

 

3) Is it whether we need to be more accepting?

 

As a matter of fact either of the above could make on issue, they just need to be expressed in an appropriate manner.

 

1) 'The issue of whether or not gay marriage should be allowed within Australian society has been discussed in the media lately

 

2) 'The issue of whether or not gay marriage should be legalised by the Australian Government has been discussed in the media lately.'

 

3) 'Whether or not we as Australians should be more accepting of gay marriage has been discussed in the media lately.'

 

Your task is to prove you understand the issue and the article (this is not something I can show you, it comes through practice) but demonstrating the successful communication of a 'Whether or NOT.'

 

Context

In the introduction you should also include the context, this could also be referred to as the author's intention or the spark.

This is essentially demonstrating an understanding of why the issue is being discussed in the media.

• This could be due to an increase in something...

• This could be because a law is being introduced...

• This could be because a newsworthy event occurred...

Irrespective of why an article has been written you can phrase the context in the following way...

Due to an (Outline increase/introduction/event) the issue of... (Whether or Not statement)

Example Context+Issue

Due to a visit from the royal family the issue of whether or not Australia should become a republic has been discussed in the media lately. 

Due to an increase in childhood obesity the issue of whether or not society needs to address the incidence of childhood obesity has been discussed in the media lately