GALE's Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Opposing Viewpoints in Context, GALE, n.d.,
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/?userGroupName=plan_rcpl

Plot Summary and Critical Evaluation

Similar to GALE’s Biography in Context, Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a user-friendly database for those wishing to learn more about controversial issues. Users can search for particular issues by viewpoint, images, reference, news, and by media type. For example, if a user wants pictures of high-speed trains they could click the Images option, type in high speed rail and find three pictures related to the topic. Or, if a user wants to find opinion pieces on obesity, they can click the Viewpoints option and type in obesity. If users are unsure where to start their search the Opposing Viewpoints in Context homepage has suggestions listed under categories such as Science, Technology and Ethics, or National Debate Topic. For users wanting a long list of topics, they have only to click the Issues tab to see an alphabetical listing of popular topics. Next to the Issues tab users will find the Maps tab where they can find a variety of maps on a large array of topics. For example, this section includes a U.S. map of adoptive family structure and one showing the percentage of people 65 and older who live below the poverty line. Indeed, the variety of maps is surprisingly large comprising of over 75 different topics including Video Games, Social Security, Rape, Political Corruption, and Identity Theft, amongst others. Biography in Context also provides teachers and students with helpful curriculum standards under the Curriculum Standards tab. Here users can learn about different countries’ educational expectations and standards.

When the user has finally chosen a topic the database directs them to the topic’s page. Here, Opposing Viewpoints in Context divides the information by media type, helping students find the best information for their project. For example, on the Domestic Terrorism page users will find featured viewpoints, magazine and newspaper articles, and academic journals as well as statistics and audio clips. With a wealth of accurate information and a wide range of topics Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a helpful source for those wishing to learn more about the difficult issues our world faces today.

Reader’s Annotation

Detailing many different controversial issues, Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a useful database for those wishing to gain an accurate picture of difficult topics.

About the Author

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Genre

Hot topic issues, Human interest, Political

Curriculum Ties

This database could be used on any unit detailing difficult, controversial issues such as the Tea Party movement, the Energy Crisis, and abortion.

Booktalk Ideas

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Reading Level/Interest Level

Interest Level: 8^th grade +

Challenge Issues

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Why Was This Included?

I decided to include Opposing Viewpoints in Context because I felt that it was a valuable resource for students who had to write papers on hot topic issues. I remember having to do several of these sorts of assignments in high school and would have appreciated having a resource like Opposing Viewpoints.