Assignment Question
Rogerian Argument (750-1000 words): Rogerian argument essays are meant to help opposing sides come to conclusions they can both agree on. The style is understanding and considerate and moves from common ground to a reasonable compromise. For your assignment, you must choose from a topic below and use the Rogerian method to help opposing sides compromise within that topic. Remember that there are no enemies in this style of writing and no one side “wins.” You have to work with the opposing side and try to make them understand your views without offending them. It isn’t what you say but how you say it that makes Rogerian style work. Use the outline provided to help you structure your Rogerian Argument. Evidence is an essential component of a good, written argument and will be necessary in this paper. You will need to provide evidence to support your ideas; therefore, you will need to conduct research on your selected topic. Limit evidence to 3-5 sources. Avoid the use of 1st and 2nd person.
Prompt #1: Many colleges and universities have developed what they call living-learning communities in which students choose to live together as a group centered around a theme, which could be anything from Chinese culture to women in science. Some critics believe such groupings are limiting because the students are not exposed to different viewpoints and interests. Others object because they believe segregation based on race, ethnicity, or religion does not contribute to the mission of higher education.Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Prompt #2: Today, more and more colleges and universities are offering not only individual courses but entire degree programs online. Some educators worry that online programs do not provide the same quality as an on-campus education and that in an online program, students can get others to do their work. Others believe online courses offer convenience and flexibility enabling students, who might otherwise not be able, to earn a degree and complete their education. Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #3: The Internet is arguably gender-neutral. When you do not know other users’ background, physical traits, style of dress, and so on, you have to judge them only by their words. Some observers believe that the anonymity of the Internet allows people to move outside of expected gender roles. Others believe that the anonymity of the Internet compounds the communication issues that already exist between gender. Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #4: Many people feel that the use of surveillance cameras in public places, such as parking lots, is a good idea that can help ensure our safety. Others worry that too many cameras violate our right to privacy and give law enforcement officials too much power. Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #5: Discussions of raising the minimum wage are frequently in the news. Some economists support it while others claim it is a job killer. Diverse articles and reports also differ on who’s to blame for our economic struggles. Is it the lack of growth in the minimum wage, is it large corporations, the government or something else? Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #6: In recent years, individuals have participated in various types of protests ranging from equality to voting rights. Although most protests are peaceful, some protests have resulted in riotous behavior. Although peaceful protests are protected by the first amendment, some argue that additional regulations must be implemented to protect individuals from riotous protests. Others argue that any additional regulations would impede an individual’s first amendment right to free speech. Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #7: Some argue that voting should be made mandatory, like jury duty, so that every eligible person participates. According to Ross, “many people say that requiring citizens to vote would let more Americans’ voices be heard…Plus, supporters of that idea say, voting is one of our civic responsibilities” (“Should Voting Be Mandatory”). Others argue that “forcing citizens to cast ballots would be un-American. They say that a better way to address low voter turnout would be to make it easier for people to register to vote or have Election Day on a weekend instead of a Tuesday” (Ross, “Should Voting Be Mandatory”). Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument.
Prompt #8: According to Carlilse, qualified immunity is “a defense that law enforcement and other government officials can raise in response to lawsuits seeking monetary damages for alleged civil rights violations” (“The Debate Over Qualified Immunity”). Some argue that qualified immunity should be abolished for law enforcement because it shields them “from accountability and denies victims damages they are due” (Carlilse, “The Debate Over Qualified Immunity”). Others maintain that “abolishing qualified immunity would discourage people from joining law enforcement” (Carlilse, “The Debate Over Qualified Immunity”). Develop a Rogerian argument in which you present both sides of this argument and develop solutions that would appease both groups. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer. Use 3-5 scholarly articles to support your argument. Use this outline if you are looking at two sides of an issue and want to reach a compromise with the point of view that is opposite yours.
I. Introduction
1. State the problem you hope to resolve.
2. Explain the type of positive change you would like to see pertaining to this issue.
3. Mention how your opponents may want to solve the same problem.
II. Summary of Opposing Views
1. Topic sentence: Explain the most important reason people disagree with your point of view.
2. Write a sentence using a quote or paraphrase from one of your sources that disagrees with your point of view.
3. Write a sentence of commentary to help your reader understand this point of view.
4. Write another a sentence of commentary to help your reader understand this point of view.
5. Write a sentence using a quote or paraphrase from one of your sources that disagrees with your point of view.
6. Write a sentence of commentary to help your reader understand this point of view.
7. Write another a sentence of commentary to help your reader understand this point of view.
III. Statements of Understanding and Validity
1. Write a topic sentence using a concept word from the finals sentence of the previous paragraphs in a different way. Be sure to use a transition word at the beginning of this paragraph.
2. Write a sentence in which you explain how the opposing arguments might be valid.
3. Write 2-3 sentences of commentary in which you give in to the opposing side (show how they have some valid points).
4. Write a sentence in which you explain how under certain circumstances you might be able to share the opposing side’s point of view.
IV. Statement of your position #1
1. Write a topic sentence in which you state your point of view.
2. Write a sentence in which you use quote or paraphrase from one of your sources, which supports your point of view.
3. Write a sentence or two of commentary.
4. Write another sentence in which you use a quote or a paraphrase, which supports your point of view. 5. Write another 2 sentences of commentary.
6. Write a concluding sentence.
V. Statement of your position #2
1. Write a topic sentence in which you state your point of view.
2. Write a sentence in which you use quote or paraphrase from one of your sources, which supports your point of view.
3. Write a sentence or two of commentary.
4. Write another sentence in which you use a quote or a paraphrase, which supports your point of view.
5. Write another 2 sentences of commentary.
6. Write a concluding sentence.
VI. Statement of your position #3
1. Write a topic sentence in which you state your point of view.
2. Write a sentence in which you use quote or paraphrase from one of your sources, which supports your point of view.
3. Write a sentence or two of commentary.
4. Write another sentence in which you use a quote or a paraphrase, which supports your point of view.
5. Write another 2 sentences of commentary.
6. Write a concluding sentence.
VII. Statement of Context.
1. In your topic sentence, explain how your point of view is valid and has merit.
2. In a few sentences, describe the situations in which your point of view has merit, showing that you understand that people won’t agree with you all the time.
VIII. Statement of Benefits.
This is your conclusion. Show your opponent how they would benefit from accepting your position, and end your essay on a hopeful note. As always, this paper should be…
• Typed in 12 point Times New Roman font and double-spaced
• Formatted in accordance with MLA guidelines as found in A Writer’s Reference or online at the Purdue Owl (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/ (Links to an external site.)
• In possession of properly formatted page numbers, header, title, and Works Cited
• Well-referenced and cited (3-5 sources maximum)
•Proofread
