We worked on the argument and persuasion essay, which is the most heavily weighted paper for the term.
The instructor put a worksheet up on the screen. The purpose was to help students organize for the argument and persuasion essay. As a class, we worked through each point. The worksheet is copied and pasted at the end of this blog entry (way at the bottom).
We looked at student examples intermittently throughout the class period.
Toward the end of the class, the instructor showed students where the electronic databases were at the library's web site. Each student has to find an article from the databases and bring it to the next class.
Students should continue their research and writing on their topic. In addition, they should do another two chapters in Langan.
At our next class session, we will continue working through the worksheet. We will also have the research exam. Bring your internal text citation worksheet and study over your notes from the research lectures.
Note to students with infrastructure topic:
Here is a link that will help. You might argue that this bill be passed.
November 11
We talked about the role of research in higher education and how the frontiers of knowledge are expanded. We also discussed how public libraries differ from academic libraries. There will be an exam on the notes from this class session and the last. You will be asked to do MLA citations, so have your handout on internal text citation with you, as you will be allowed to use it.
Assignment: Read 328-44, 345-49, "The Waste Generation." As you are reading, apply what the text says about persuasion to your persuasive premise (what you are trying to persuade your reader to think or do). A more detailed example will be posted here later.
The test on research is a week from today, Nov 18th.
Note: students in the 2-3:20 class must bring in one academic source from the databases at the library's web page. Two points.
Note: the table with student topics has been updated at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday
The persuasive topics are at the link at left. I changed my mind about putting them in the other document.
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Argument and persuasion worksheet:
1. Write out your persuasive premise:
What do you want people to do as a result of reading your paper?
(instructor's example) I want people to stop using leaf blowers and instead to chop their own leaves and make compost or mulch out of them. I want them to keep the leaves on their property as food for their plants and trees. I want them to stop using fossil fuels to haul something organic (leaves) around.
2. Argument: (what are my points of reason?)
a) We are running out of fossil fuel and should prioritize our use
b) Fossil fuels emit pollution and NJ has the second highest air pollution in the country, second only to California
c) Mother Nature designed leaves to serve as food for trees, shrubs, and other plants
d) Having heavy trucks and heavy equipment removing leaves increases traffic congestion
Persuasion: (what are my emotional appeals?)
We used to be able to enjoy fall days with our windows in our homes open. Now we have to keep them shut because of the noise
The health of Americans is suffering because we use technology to address nearly every aspect of everyday life
Working together on tasks can give the entire family exercise while enjoying togetherness and a sense of purpose
3. Thesis statement formulation:
Defend or attack a position
Suggest a solution to a problem
Challenge a value or belief
4. Break your central assertion into subclaims:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. What are the opposing arguments?
How do I dispense with them?
6. Organize the points of the argument into a clear, logical structure that pushes toward my conclusion.
