Jeff Mouth

BEL 313: INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THINKING

ASSIGNMENT 2

MOUTHY KIDS LIKE JEFF BLISS SHOULDN’T BE ANTICIPATED

PREPARED BY

NAME NO. ID

NOR DIANA BT NORDIN 2011438796

MOUTHY KIDS LIKE JEFF BLISS SHOULDN’T BE ANTICIPATED

Recently, Jeff Bliss a Texas high school student’s rant against his teacher has gone viral. The video was instantly recorded “undercover” by one of the classmate and the video was uploaded on Youtube. This particular event had brought up different views and perspectives from many parties such as Jim Schtuze who agreed that students that are willing to speak up like Jeff Bliss might be the best measure of teachers regarding their performance. However, a few of his arguments are weak and contain several fallacies.

The first is that author is missing the point when he claims that the citizens living in Dallas are random in the ninth paragraph. He originally argues that in order to be scientific; we must randomize and also states a research has taken in Dallas. The statement is clearly the missing the point as it does not relate to his original arguments. Just because a research was conducted in Dallas it does not make them random.

Moving on to the next fallacy is hasty generalization where he claims that teachers whose students consistently do well on state tests are the best teach-to-test-teachers. Most students are usually determined to do well in their state test themselves rather than seeking help from teachers that are not doing their job or possibly they are geniuses. Each student has different determination, and these state test results should not be judged just by viewing the teacher’s preparation for the student’s preparation as well. In my opinion, both teacher and students cooperating in helping on succeeding major tests or exams are the best teach-to-the-test teachers. Hence, it is also not just about the preparation, it’s about understanding and ensuring the knowledge they’ve gained are applicable in the...