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Essay 2: Evaluating an Argument

For this assignment, you will read the article titled, “Keeping the Promise to All America’s

Children” on page 165 in your textbook. Then, you will write an essay in which you

evaluate the

author’s argument

.

This does NOT mean that you should agree or disagree with the author

(his or her actual point); you are NOT commenting on the author’s opinion.

You will need to restate his thesis/argument in your own words and from then on, show how he

or she did an effective or ineffective job at convincing the audience, meaning you have to identify

it. Identify the argument and audience in your introduction. Then, write your own thesis, which

should state whether the presented argument is effective or not and why, and then, spend the body

paragraphs focusing on the

different strategies and how

they are being used.

Task:

You are analyzing

the way the author

presented his or her

argument to argue

whether it is an effective

or ineffective argument.

In order to analyze the

argument, you will consider

the author’s use of:

ï‚·

Pathos

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Ethos

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Logos

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Assumptions

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Logical fallacies

ï‚·

Tone

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Types/Strength of

evidence

ï‚·

Objectivity/Bias

ï‚·

OR any other points you saw in your textbook

Ask yourself, what makes for an effective argument? How and in what ways is the argument

convincing?

*Remember that the author can use one rhetorical strategy effectively while failing to use others

effectively.

Directions:

You will need to:

1. Point out any instances where the author used one of the elements above by providing a

quote from the text with MLA citation.

2. Comment on whether or not the author did so well, and why? And whether the use of this

strategy contributed to effectiveness of his or her argument.

You do NOT have to address every elements above, but you DO have to evaluate a minimum of

FIVE (5). Each of the five can be presented in its own separate paragraph or you may combine

them as you see fit. Be aware that I do expect to see clear organization and academic essay

structure.

Due Dates:

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Rough Draft Due Sunday

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Final Draft Due Sunday of Week 9

Requirements:

ï‚·

Length: 3-5 pages

ï‚·

You will need



Introduction (including a hook, background information about the article, the

author’s thesis/claim and his intended audience and your thesis/claim)



Up to 5 body paragraphs (including examples from the text as well as your analysis

of effectiveness)



Conclusion

Step 2 Complete Writing Task 10

Complete Writing Task 10 first then come back to write your first draft.

Step 3 Write your first draft

Following the guidelines in the assignment letter for your draft.

Step 4 Save and submit your assignment

When you have completed your assignment save a copy for yourself in an easily accessible place and submit a copy to your instructor using the dropbox.

Step 5 Post your draft to the Week 9 Peer Review Board

Please submit your rough draft to the Week 9 Peer review Board as a Word doc.

You will not receive a partner or credit for your rough draft if the draft is not submitted

Week 9 Peer Review Board