For your analytical essay you will be examining the topic of voting in an election, specifically why people who are eligible to vote do not often vote. You will also consider an alternative to the way ballots are counted and a proposal to lower the voting age to 16 years old. The idea/thesis that you will develop will address an aspect of this topic as presented in the 3 podcast episodes.
Here are some possible approaches to the essay assignment. You can choose one approach or create one approach of your own that addresses the topic as presented in the 3 podcast episodes.
Analyze why people who are eligible to vote do not often vote and provide your own suggestions for increasing voter participation.
Analyze to what extent you think adopting the ranking-type ballot will increase voter participation.
Analyze to what extent you think lowering the voting age to 16 years old will increase voter participation.
A successful essay will include the following content requirements:
Set up your idea/thesis in a context (see They Say/ I Say, intro and chapter 1)
Assume that your reader has not listened to the podcast episodes that you are discussing, so provide adequate summary and background about the episodes so that your reader can understand what you are trying to analyze, examine and explain about the episodes: in other words, include a summary with a focus. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 2)
Include at least one passage analysis in the format of “framing” the quotation or developing a quote sandwich. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 3)
Include a clear response/position in your essay. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 4)
Include at least 2 voice markers, which separate what “you” say from what “they” say. Label the voice markers, vm, in your essay. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 5)
Consider a possible objection (naysayer) in the body of your paper. Use two-paragraph sequence for considering a naysayer. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 6)
Say why it matters: answer the so what and who cares questions–at the very least, in your conclusion, but ideally, in all your body paragraphs where you explain your details, specifics, passages, and evidence. (see They Say/ I Say, chapter 7)
Create a title for your essay.
MLA format for citing sources in text. Work(s) cited section.
Suggested length for your draft is at least 1000 words.
First draft of essay is due for peer review by 11:30pm, Wednesday 2/8. NOTE that you will NOT be able to participate in the peer review process unless you submit your draft by the deadline. Late submissions of drafts will not be accepted.
