Assignment:
Choose a text in which the author or speaker tries to persuade an audience about a problem or issue. You will summarize the author’s argument and supporting points and develop and support your own response to some of this author’s arguments or points. Your topic statement should state your own position and main points about the issue in response to the text. You can agree with the author and explain why, adding your own supporting points and details, or you can disagree with the author and explain why you disagree. A third option is to agree with some aspects of the author’s argument while disagreeing with others—a compromise position.
Be sure to choose a text that takes an obvious position on an issue and attempts to argue that position persuasively; do not choose a text in which the author’s primary purpose is to inform. Possible types of texts include the following:
A short essay or persuasive article by a writer ( journalist, politician, public figure, etc.) in which the writer attempts to persuade an audience to act or take a position on an issue.
A speech by a past or present political figure, politician, or other public figure. The speech should be focused on one primary issue and not be more than 20 min. Or, you could choose a segment of a longer speech to be sure the part you choose is focused on one issue.
An editorial or opinion piece from a newspaper—not an informative article.
*See me if you are unsure about the appropriateness of a text or if you have a hard time choosing. Also, please choose a text about an issue or problem you are genuinely interested in because, if appropriate, you may be able to write about this same problem for Essays #2, #3, and the Annotated Bibliography.
Requirements:
You must include a summary paragraph, a thesis of your own, organized and focused paragraphs (including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion), clear topic sentences, appropriate evidence for your points, etc. Your argument should clearly state your position on this issue, and it should match the rest of your arguments and discussion. You also must fairly represent and accurately summarize the arguments and major supporting points from the text you choose.
You can find documents, links, and other resources regarding this assignment in Canvas. You may use and cite credible outside sources if needed, but outside sources are not required for this assignment (aside from your summary text). You may also support your points and arguments with real-life and hypothetical examples based on your own knowledge and experience.
Grading:
The essay will be graded according to the grade rubric posted in Canvas. As always, you must have a clear topic, support all of your points with clear explanations and evidence to address how and why, organize your paragraphs effectively, and proofread carefully for grammar, style, and mechanics issues. If you have any questions or concerns about this essay, talk to me about them as soon as you can. You can schedule a conference time to discuss your ideas and concerns.
