Question: 4 PARAGRAPH WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Discuss two completely different controversial topics, not just one. This assignment is asking you to explore and brainstorm two possible persuasive essay topics so be sure to choose two different topics.
The topics you choose to discuss must address controversial social issues. What is most important is that you explore two topics that are appropriate topics for a persuasive essay, not an informative research.
Examples of recent controversial social issues include: gun control, legalizing marijuana, gay marriage, immigration issues, raising the minimum wage, abortion etc. You should not choose topics that are problems affecting only you personally.
Select two potential problems that:
1) have two logical sides to the issue (your viewpoint and an opposing viewpoint),
2) are researchable
In your assignment, write a fully developed paragraph for each problem (5-8 sentences each) explaining two sides to the issue:
1) (How is it argumentative?),
2) How you plan to approach it in your project (what side are you going to take?), and
3) Why you're personally interested in it (of all the potential problems in your field or degree, why did you choose this?).
4) When writing the paragraphs, feel free to express any other thoughts or concerns you may have about the topic choices.
After exploring the argumentativeness of your problems, take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Then, in one to two paragraphs, briefly reflect on the importance of persuasion with the potential topic you're most likely to write about.
1) Why is it important that people consider your side with your selected topic?
2) Who is your audience, and why is it important to convince them that your view on your topic is the better (or more correct) view?
3) Remember to try to be specific in your entry: this information will help guide you as you work on your project in the coming weeks.
Use the following CHECKLIST to make sure that you are covering all of the key points mentioned above:
1) In the first paragraph (5-8 sentences), explain:
a) Two sides of the first issue
b)Your approach/side
c)Why you're interested in the topic
2) In the second paragraph (5-8 sentences), explain:
a)Two sides of the second issue
b)Your approach/side
c)Why you're interested in the topic
3) In the third and fourth paragraphs (5-8 sentences each), reflect on:
a)The importance of persuasion for the topic you're most likely to write about
i. Why is it important for people to consider your side?
ii. Who is your audience?
iii. Why is it important to convince them that your view is best?
NOTES TO REMEMBER:
1) Be sure to discuss two completely different controversial topics, not just one. This writing assignment is asking you to explore and brainstorm two possible persuasive essay topics so be sure to choose two different topics.
2) The topics you choose to discuss for this writing assignment must address controversial social issues and do not need to be related to your chosen major or career choice. What is most important is that you explore two topics that are appropriate topics for a persuasive essay, not an informative research report.
3) Appropriate persuasive essay topics for the English 123 Persuasion essay should have clearly opposing viewpoints on hotly debated societal issues. Examples of recent controversial social issues include: gun control, legalizing marijuana, gay marriage, immigration issues, raising the minimum wage, abortion etc. You should not choose topics that are problems affecting only you personally.