KIM WOODS——What were the causes of the cuban missile crisis and why was it so short lived

. An important topic is also necessarily controversial and debatable. There is little point in deliberating on issue about which we are already absolutely certain. Therefore, the second step is to recognize that when we feel strongly about a subject, we do so exactly because it is controversial. Isn’t it our sense of the “invalidity” or “irrationality” of a certain debate or claim that infuriates us? The third and most difficult step is recognizing that we cannot allow either of these two qualities (passion or deliberation) to gain 6 the advantage. A good essay maintains both passion and deliberation simultaneously. Acknowledging and crediting the views we oppose does not mean we ultimately favour those positions. Indeed, the strongest argument for a favoured position anticipates, respects, and speaks to the best points from others. In sum, select a topic that you find important; recognize that importance signifies controversy; and, respect both your passion and the deliberative aspect of thinking about politics. The completed research paper should achieve the following goals: Present a clear and focused research question.-°©‐Develop effective and appropriate arguments in support of your position utilizing the material in your Annotated Bibliographies. -°©‐Answer your question to the best of your ability in the conclusion.