Arguing Against a Naysayer
This assignment is very similar to what you just did in confirmation and refutation, but this time around you look forward, not backwards. You could compare it to the sentencing hearing once a criminal is convicted of a crime. It's about what we should do now or in the future, not an evaluation of a decision or act in the past. Historically, this kind of writing was part of "deliberative rhetoric," and judges, legislators, and common citizens used it. We use it for the same purposes today, but it's also a classic academic genre.
Essay Outline (50 points)
First, you'll need to begin the assignment below and get draft enough to have a good idea of what you plan to argue.
Second, what you'll submit me to me is an outline of your essay that contains the following elements:
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Thesis statement and "map" of reasons to support your view. (This will eventually be the last couple sentences of your introduction.) -
The first sentence of every supporting paragraph. (This sentence should echo the reasons in your thesis "map."
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The first sentence of every "anticipate potential counter argument" paragraphs.
In other words, if you have an introduction, and, say, four supporting paragraphs, and you also anticipate two potential counter arguments, then you'll submit seven sentences (but it also depends on your map style). Again, I don't want a traditional outline. I want the complete sentences that will become your thesis statement and assertions.
Essay Assignment (400 points)
Write a complete essay (introduction, supporting paragraphs, anticipate counter argument paragraphs, conclusion) that takes a position on an issue. Your task is to persuade us to adopt your position on the issue. Remember, it has to deal with the present or the future. Historically, students have done better when they have chosen more local topics, something they personally know a lot about.
For example, I've had students try to persuade others that oil and gas drilling is a good/bad idea for Colorado, that gays should (not) be allowed to marry, that prayer should be allowed in school, that home schooling is better (or worse) than public or private schools, that Central High ought to choose a new mascot, etc. I'm sure you get the idea.
Stay away from laws and policies (You'll do that next week). Also, you can write about any topic except abortion, gun control, and capital punishment, and I confess that I'm tired of reading about pit bulls and marijuana.
