rarer
Wit rgd!
Melee 8ctaton
vepind)
Tree eah arguments sin fonmal debate, the topic usually has wo sides the pro
{fas for te ise) and the con (No: again the ssut). he con sues ofthe aeners
Faunce face-o-face they must use song supposing evidence for their erpenonn
Funmermore, they must expect that at least some of their readers vil held the
Seesing view: therefore, lke the debater, they must summarize ane then attempt a
efte (.c, weaken, discredit, or destroy the arguments ofthe opposite
Some writen arguments have more than two sides, parceufeny ifthe issue Is.
problem with several possible sohutions:
Which carshould purchase? (A or Bor Cor...)
Which method of weed removalis moat cost-cictivet (4 or or Cor...)
teat his chapte:focasesonly on the Yesor No questions. For example instead of
Giscussing the multiple choices forthe questions ebove, we can nattuw gtd vcune
the questions into Yer or No question
Js the Sarum che best car for me to purcheset (Yes or No)
Should the National Park Service use natural pesticides for weed removal?
(les or No)
Haase ca vee Scademic assignments that requir students to develop an support
‘doas end opinions; comments in brackets Iclarfy the assignnvone
1 Introduction to Management
Waite o-page,tully referenced paper that disousces [and supports}
Your opinion abcut the ideal management perforsnange 107 [een
‘several possible modale).
Introduction to Potitiel Seienos
Pavan support the cevision to deploy women for military service?
Why or why not? Write an 8-10 page research papsr (minimus
‘Sources: 8) that presents and supports your opinion on this Iseud,
TI Mavironmeatal issues
In an 8-10 page paper. analyze one of the environmental issues
Delow. Use the folowing components of sue analysis: summarizing:orpination of ext
DERISEES
‘ho problom or issue; describing the differing beliefs (chose ideas
Concerning the issue, whether true or falee), valves (the guides that
fefiee: the relative importance of the beliefs), ander solutions (ie
Terloue strategies used to resolve the issue) that exist; your position
bout tie soluiton of the problem or jazuc; evidence that eupports the
walue oF your position. Suggested issues:
« Should current federal and private proposals far proiocting the
nation’s waterfowl population be improved?”
+ Should oll and gas Gaveiopment be pormitted in the Arctic
National Widhife Refuge?
« Are tonicity standart for solid waste storage and disposal
appropriate?
« Shonid the National Park Service continua its “let burn” policy
twlten naturel firee coour within park boundaries?
« Are natural pest managemont teshniquee in agriculture as
bffective andl efficient as petrocherioal methods?
4. For each of the assignments above, students are required to explain as well as to
cangqu. What vail students explain in each essay?
2. for Assignment TH, arguing i only one of several objectives. In addition to
explaining, what else wil students do to fulfil the assignment!
3. Witha pariner or in a small group, analyze the academic essigaments above,
How will you organize esch of the paper?
{What hits of resources might you use for evidence in each?
How might you use non-text materials in each of the papers?
44 For Assignment I, divide the class half assign one side ofthe argument to each,
fe. Each group should (a list the major arguments for both sides ofthe argu-
nent and by dscuss the possible evidence foreach side ofthe argument.
5, Fachange ists of arguments, Evaluate the strengihof the other group's arguments
which side ofthe argument isthe most persuesive?Sitting sigan — Analyze the audience for your Arguing essay, using the following categories:
fualence anaiyss + readers knowledge of and interest in the topic
+ educational background and socio-economic'status ofthe audience
+ your relationship tothe audience: expert to novice? classmate to classmate?
‘more experienced to less experienced student to instructor?
+ audience's attitude toward your topic: passionately interested? hostile?
{gnorant bat wilingto learn? mildly interested? professionally interested?
bored?
+ audience’ possible objections to your opinion
+ readers reaction(s) 0 the intended purpose of your arguing paper