HOW:
BRAINSTORM (Links to an external site.): Select a controversial issue about which you have a strong opinion. Far-reaching controversies that cannot be effectively defined and argued in the space of 1300-1500 words will NOT be accepted for this project. (Please see the end of this assignment page for more information about controversial issues). Make sure your instructor approves your choice of a controversial issue/topic.
THESIS: Write a concession thesis statement. EX: A thesis will begin with the word although or despite to show a CONCESSION or COUNTER- ARGUMENT:
Example: “Although some politicians believe climate change does not exist, the scientific evidence proves the international community must cooperate and act now in order to prevent tremendous loss of life.”
RHETORICAL STRUCTURE: You can organize your essay as follows, and remember to include the subheadings below in your essay:
CLASSICAL ARGUMENT RHETORICAL STRUCTURE
INTRODUCTION: Use facts, names, numbers, statistics and details to illustrate the issue about which you are arguing.
THESIS STATEMENT: Close your introduction with your thesis statement.
HISTORY: Provide the history of the issue that closely connects with your thesis statement. This section is neutral in tone.
REASONS AND EVIDENCE: Write more reasons and evidence that support your thesis.
ONE OBJECTION TO YOUR Thesis (this is the concession in your concession thesis)
RESPOND to OBJECTION: What would you say to your opponent to respond his or her objection?
CONCLUSION: Conclude your essay by discussing what is possible if your argument is accepted.
REVISE the entire document several times to ensure you have conveyed your thoughts clearly, you have developed your paragraphs with details, facts, reasons, examples or evidence, and you have shown logical transitions from one paragraph to the next.
EDIT: Print your essay and read it ALOUD to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
APA Citation: This assignment requires research; the finished essay will need in-text citations and a References page. The assignment also requires a properly formatted APA cover page. The assignment does not require an abstract.
Academic Format, Citation and Integrity Resources:
Please view this link to learn how to format in-text citations or make a references page:
https://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/apa-in-text (Links to an external site.)
Please view this link to learn what plagiarism is and how to avoid it:
http://subjectguides.lib.neu.edu/plagiarism (Links to an external site.)
WHY: The assignment strengthens your ability to analyze a variety of texts designed for different audiences, subjects, and purposes in order to identify main ideas, supporting evidence, and conclusions. It also develops research skills and provides practice using form, organization, syntax, diction, style, and tone appropriate for your subject, purpose, and audience. Completing this assignment also helps you develop assessment, revision and editing skills.
REMEMBER: Chief Executive Officers consistently list writing skills as one of the top five most important skills required of their employees.
