For Argumentative writing, you must take a specific position on a subject and persuade your audience that your position is valid.
For this assignment, you will write a 1000 word essay arguing your position on whether or not colleges are worth the price of admission. Keep in mind that, “the price” may not necessarily be monetary. You will read David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Kenyon Commencement speech, “This is Water” and Robin Wilson’s essay entitled, “A Lifetime of Student Debt? Not Likely” in order to formulate your opinion. You are not required to respond directly to the reading, but you must draw on some elements of the texts to arrive at your position.
The essay should include, a clear position, a set of reasons as to why your position is valid, evidence to support your reasons (citations for research component are necessary), and awareness of opposing views.
Purpose: This assignment asks you to evaluate the merits or drawbacks of colleges while being an active participant in the experience. In order to engage the subject, you will need to draw on personal experiences, as well as a number of outside factors that affect your position. Use invention strategies to put together a well-rounded argument supporting your position. We will review different invention strategies and you will adopt a method that works best for you
Evaluation: This assignment relies heavily on development and organization for completeness. I will be looking out for both aspects when grading this essay.
