the elements of argument introduced in the Review Essay

WRI 1100 // HPUWRITING TO PERSUADE: PUBLIC ARGUMENTASSIGNMENTWrite a 3-4 page argumentative essay with a publicly oriented policy claim on a topic of your choice.PURPOSEThis assignment will build on the elements of argument introduced in the Review Essay, but it focuses ona more explicitly persuasive form–one that is intended to help you engage in public debates that affectyou directly. Essays like this should not be confused with extended academic arguments; rather, they are acondensed, more audience centered treatment of a topic than you might be used to.To enrich your own public argument essay, you’ll also be expected to complete a short analysis ofrhetorical aspects in a successful example of your choosing.Extra credit will be offered if you submit your writing (in a very condensed form) to an appropriatepublication, typically in the form of a letter to the editor or extended comment online. Ask your instructorfor details.PROCESS1. Start by identifying a an issue that affects a community you belong to and spend some time isolatingthe larger conversation in which it belongs (i.e. a policy debate, ideological difference, challenge toeconomic values, etc.). Next, spend some time informally researching what others have said to orientyour position.2. Develop a working thesis that includes a claim using the word ‘should’ and reasons joined by aconnective element like the word “because.” You should eventually use these reasons–two or three,ideally–to shape the body of your essay.3. Decide who your target audience will be. Think specifically about who you are trying to convince,and what you want them to do (i.e. think more critically about the issue, change their perspective,take a particular action, etc.).4. Start writing by drafting an introduction that sets-up a situation or problem your essay responds to-such as a misunderstanding, difference of opinions, or need for more information. Then, begin usingobservation and description or an explanation of your reasoning to support a position. As your essaytakes shape, make sure you include a “naysayer” paragraph that evaluates an opposing point-of-view,and that your conclusion helps readers see what benefits can be gained from accepting your claim.POINTS OF EVALUATIONPlease see the detailed scoring rubric for clarification on points of evaluation for this assignmentREQUIREMENTSUse a standard font and size–something like 12pt Times New Roman–and regular 1” margins. Make surethe document is formatted according to MLA style, including a heading for your name, a title, and pagenumbers (see your textbooks or samples online for an example).DUE DATESApril 13Week 6April 26thReading to introduce assignment, choose a topic, and find an audiencePeer review, optional extra credit feedback, and editingFinal draft of Public Argument due by Blackboard assignment no later than midnightNote: the final Research Essay can build upon this assignment, including use of the same thesis and topic,but it must use an a different strategy for evidence characteristic of research-based writing.