This assignment specifies the parameters of the writing assignment and therefore, is definitely an example of a writing assignment. The faculty member could improve the assignment by suggesting what types of evidence are acceptable for supporting a student's position. Without it, the TV news could be the only basis upon which students defend their opinion. In order to be properly substantiated, the student's work would need to go beyond just the TV news. As currently written, that may or may not occur.

This assignment is a good information literacy assignment. It requires students to go beyond the class materials, it encourages students to do research, and it is tied to the content of the course.