Abstract
A well-written argumentative essay requires a thorough analysis of the topic with sufficient supporting evidence. However, obtaining information on the topic, summarizing the reading materials, and then presenting them in the form of an argumentative essay can be a challenging task, especially for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. ProCon.org offers pro and con arguments on over 100 controversial topics. The webpage features a balanced pro/con format that is easy to read and emphasizes the importance of considering both sides of a topic in argumentative writing. Although the website is not intended specifically for writing courses, it is a valuable resource for EFL learners who wish to enhance their argumentative skills and for teachers who wish to incorporate critical thinking into their writing courses. This technology review covers the content of the website and tips for self-study, as well as pedagogical applications.
Keywords
Introduction
In an argumentative essay, the writer needs to demonstrate critical thinking skills by taking full account of different points of view, providing evidence in support of the proposed claim, and refuting counterarguments. Since the publication of Toulmin's (1958) seminal work on the uses of argument, both the constitutional parts of arguments as well as the complexity of reasoning required for this genre have gained increasing recognition among argument theorists (Freeman, 1991; Van Eemeren and Grootendorst, 1987). Augmentative writing can pose a particular challenge for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, who are confronted with the dual task of ensuring language accuracy and critical analysis of the topic to be discussed (see Atkinson, 1997). The lack of language resources and critical thinking skills needed for argumentative writing adversely affects students’ confidence and writing performance. Therefore, resources are needed to help EFL learners practice their argumentation and develop their critical thinking skills.
In line with its title, the award-winning ProCon.org website provides students with pros and cons on a wide range of contemporary topics, free of charge. Acquired by Encyclopedia Britannica in 2020, the stated mission of the website is “Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format” (ProCon.org., 2021). Students can develop both critical thinking skills and language skills by exploring various topics on the website. In addition, the website can be an invaluable resource for writing instructors who wish to incorporate critical thinking into their writing instruction and assessment. This technology review provides an overview of ProCon's features and potential uses.
Learning Resources and Self-Study Tips
The page design of ProCon is focused, simple and clear, and emphasizes its main objective, which is to present arguments for and against different topics. The drop-down menu on the homepage provides users access to a list of “NEW TOPICS” along with nine broad categories of topics, including society, education, technology, etc. A complete list of topics in alphabetical order can be found under the “More issues” or “Topics A-Z” button on the homepage, as illustrated in Figure 1.
Screenshot of the ProCon.org homepage.
Across all topics, the web content is consistent, consisting of the following sections: Topic Overview, Pro/Con Arguments, Discussion Questions, Take Action, Sources, and More Debates. Since writers of argumentative essays must analyze background information prior to expressing their opinions, the Topic Overview section is designed to assist users in fully understanding the topic. For example, the Topic Overview section of on artificial intelligence (AI) presents an overview of its definition, history, and contemporary applications.
The Pro/Con Arguments section lists both the pro and con arguments, presented in pairs, as depicted in Figure 2. Each argument, whether a pro or con, is backed up with a wide range of supporting evidence, including examples, facts, and statistics, which are cited and explained. This section is of particular importance to students, since it helps them to develop a comprehensive and objective understanding of controversial topics, recognize the importance of evidence, and use language resources effectively.
The Pro/Con Arguments section of artificial intelligence.
In terms of language resources, students should pay close attention to the lexicogrammar of positive and negative evaluations of the topic under discussion. For instance, the left-hand panel of the Pro/Con Arguments section on AI, beginning with the arguments and progressing through the evidence, is densely filled with the construction can + VERB conveying positive evaluation, while the right-hand panel emphasizes the negative appreciation of the topic, as shown in Figure 3, with web screenshots annotated.
Web screenshots with lexico-grammar annotations for positive versus negative evaluation.
The following sections, namely Discussion Questions and Take Actions, are designed to encourage students to reflect critically on the contents of the preceding sections and to formulate their own opinions about the topic. The last two sections, namely Sources and More Debates, can be referred to for further reading.
Pedagogical Applications
In addition to the learning resources described above, the website also features a teachers’ corner, which provides practical suggestions for utilizing the site in the classroom. Lesson plans are offered to assist teachers in covering critical thinking skills across a wide range of subjects. Argumentative writing, as suggested by considerable research evidence, is closely associated with critical thinking (McKinley, 2013; Twardy, 2004), which involves evaluating and synthesizing arguments from numerous sources before reaching a conclusion. Among the lessons that emphasize critical thinking as a means of improving argumentative writing skills are, for example, addressing the counterargument, evaluating sources for authority, accuracy, currency, relevance, and objectivity, and linking thesis statements to supporting evidence (ProCon.org., 2015).
Conclusion
ProCon.org is a website dedicated to providing non-biased information about controversial issues, promoting critical thinking, and facilitating EFL writing. The Pro/Con Arguments section enables students to improve the quality of their arguments and avoid making arbitrary arguments that lack substantial evidence. In general, the site is user-friendly, and although there are advertisements on the site, they are placed at the bottom of the page and do not appear intrusive. As one of its few limitations, Procon.org is not specifically designed to improve students’ argumentative writing. It is therefore possible that less fluent EFL learners may require more guidance regarding the language resources on this website for arguments, counterarguments, and evidence.
