Write a policy argument in which you comment on how you view this change. Has the government’s reconfiguration of the food system been mostly beneficial or harmful? By what standards should we base our judgments? Based on the reading you’ve done in this book, on class discussions, and on library and online research, write an argument proposing what the government’s role should be in the current agricultural and/or food industry landscape. Your goal in this text is to persuade the audience to your way of thinking about your topic and, perhaps, to move them to action. To do these things, you will have to do the following: Make your audience care about the topic. even if they are hostile, skeptical, or apathetic about our current food system. What evidence or examples can you share with your readers to make them want to read what you have to say? Find ways to appeal to your audience emotionally and intellectually. Understand and convey to your audience relevant background to your topic. What, for example, do you need to learn and share with your audience to support your proposal? Be clear about your position and about what, if anything, you want your audience to do. Provide ample evidence to persuade the audience that your position is reasonable and worthy of their consideration. Contextualize your topic. Where do things stand with the current food system? What are the current arguments against government subsidies and/or intervention? What does it cost, financially, environmentally, and to the public health at large to just continue as we are? Identify and address positions that oppose your own. Address opposing positions. Who disagrees with your position and why? Why should readers not be convinced by opposing arguments? What makes your opinion stronger?
