A Case-Based Approach to Argumentation says that when you are given a case scenario from which to constuct an argument, you must think of your work as inquiry. CAAW says that this process of case-based inquiry is best accomplished when you 

Stepping into the shoes of stakeholders and trying out different perspectives is most beneficial for 

To thoroughly think critically about a text, you should analyze its rhetoric and its information, the 2 ways that CAAW offers for critical thinking.  

Which of the following are areas for evaluating the credibility of sources? 

1. authority of source (reputable, credentials, affiliations)
2. currency (date)
3. accuracy (corroborated, referenced)
4. objectivity (fact-based or opinion)
5. coverage (comprehensive)
6. stability (retrievable, active)

When critically reading a text, stick to the actual words you are reading; you don't need to--and may only be confused by--looking for ways it connects to other texts. 

A Case-Based Approach to Argumentation defines a case as

A Case-Based Approach to Argumentation offers the metaphor of ________ to describe academic writing. 

Freebie. Click on "True" below.  

If you are silly-averse, take your freebie and skip the following silly paragraph to move on with this exam. 

During the semester, there were some silly things going on in class, from cookies to signs. Freebies were not so silly, but the process was kind of silly insofar as Prof. Sonheim wanted a formal request from Nolan (10:20, P section) or Grant (12:15, J section) before he'd award a freebie. Partly, Prof. Sonheim just likes the sound of the word "freebie." (And the world "silly.)  Prof. Sonheim was delighted that in the 10:20 P class, Nolan offered a double-or-nothing coin flip for 2 freebies! Usually during the semester, Prof. Sonheim was happy to reward a class through good participation. Maybe Prof. Sonheim should scale back on the silliness? He'll never know, unless in the future you happen to cross paths on campus, greet him, and and chat with him about English 101 and then give him a report on how you're dong, which would delight him, possibly motivating him to buy you a Peet's cookie. 

Discussion is fundamental part of case study. 

You overhear and then join a conversation in the dorm about a proposal to pay football players on the college team. There are disagreements.  In this conversation, you and others bring in facts and examples. You take turns, letting others talk. You learn a lot about scholarships, NCAA rules, the history of sports at Calvin, and injuries in various sports. You want to learn more. 

This sort of conversation-where participants make arguments with a goal not of winning but of understanding--is what Calvin is all about, the highest example (the epitome) of Calvin's motto, "think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly."