Essay Assignment #1 / 1302 / 2016 / JTJ

Essay Assignment #1 / 1302 / 2016 / JTJ
1. Introduction: An argument is “a form of discourse in which the writer or speaker tries to persuade an audience to accept, reject, or think a certain way about a problem that cannot be solved by scientific or mathematical reasoning alone” (White and Billings 3).
#1: Have you driven to Rio Grande City lately? If not, go west and you will notice the pervasive presence of both the United States Border Patrol and, most recently, the Department of Public Safety State Troopers parked in their black and white patrol units at every corner. The DPS presence is a response to what has been perceived as the most recent “crisis on the border” as immigrants cross in flight from conditions in their home countries in search of more livable conditions here.

The questions that you must address are:
1. Should the DPS be involved in border enforcement?
2. What is its role?
3. Is a DPS presence helpful or harmful? Read all the articles, decide where you stand on the issue, and then formulate your argument.

2. Evidence: Your argument must include credible evidence in support of your position. You must include 2-4 sources on the list. You must use at least two articles listed in the essay folder and also, if necessary, provide additional documentation that informs and supports your argument. Additional documentation is not mandatory.
3. Structure of the Argument: You must use the classical model of argument: thesis, evidence, the appeals (ethos, pathos, logos), counterargument and refutation, and conclusion.
4. More Specific Instructions:

• Your essay must be 4-6 pages in length;
• Type your essay in MLA format, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font.
• Document your sources using MLA format and include a Works Cited page

The Classical Model of Argument
(see Aristotle’s Rhetoric)

I. Introduction
A. Lead-in
B. Overview
C. Background

II. Position statement (thesis)

III. Appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and evidence
A. Appeals to ethics, character, authority (ethos); to emotions (pathos); to reason (logos)
B. Evidence: citing of statistics, results, findings, examples, laws, relevant passages from authoritative texts

IV. Counterargument and Refutation (often presented simultaneously with evidence)

V. Conclusion
A. Highlights of key points presented
B. Recommendations
C. Illuminating restatement of thesis

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