Directions:
1. Explain that every situation can be viewed in different ways and that understanding all sides of a story is essential to presenting a solid argument. Facts are only one part of a strong essay, story, or report, and students should draw their own conclusions to make their writing unique and personal.

2. Ask a student to describe something he or she has debated recently. Ask: What was your opinion and why? Who was the other person and what was his or her opinion?

3. Discuss how point of view (including gender, age, nationality, family, personal ethics, or location) can affect an opinion. Remind students to be objective and ask: How do you think the other person’s point of view affected his or her opinion? How did your point of view affect your opinion?

4. Discuss how understanding different perspectives can help persuade others to embrace your way of thinking. Ask: Why did this person disagree with you? Now that you understand his or her perspective, can you present your own position in a more convincing way?

5. Distribute the Investigate All Sides (PDF) reproducible worksheet 3 and read it aloud. Discuss the meaning of censorship (preventing the public from seeing or hearing specific works). Ask your students to complete the worksheet.

Persuasive Wrap-Up:
Ask each student to read his or her point of view on the art museum question aloud, and evaluate the success of his or her persuasive argument.