Finding Common Ground Essay. I have to do a Rogarian Argument essay explaining two side of argument (support and opposing). My topic is fossil fuel so I have to type an essay about organizations that support fossil fuel and those those oppose it. The rubric is below, outside sources may be used. Any number of words is acceptable but the minimum is 1,000 words so I would suggest it be around 300-500. I will include a tip.
Here is what you need to do in a Rogerian argument:
Introduce your topic. Be as neutral as possible; if you are fiery and intense when you do this you may alienate people with passionate views on the subject. Remember, a problem has multiple solutions.Discuss the point of view of people on one side of this social issue. Be neutral. Examine your word choices and be sure your diction does not favor a side. Let the stakeholder speak.Discuss the point of view of people on the opposite side of this social issue. Again, be neutral and employ neutral diction. Let the stakeholder speak.
(TIP: because 2 and 3 are different ideas I would split them in to 2 paragraphs or more,
depending on the complexity of your issue)
Discuss how both sides have good ideas and both sides come from an honest place, whether deeply felt religious faith or strong social justice beliefs or a deep commitment to privacy. This is where you can demonstrate empathy in tone and diction, because, just like the old cliché states: you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Now, state your proposal that attempts to solve this problem. Again, be neutral in your language, even when talking about your (obviously!) brilliant idea to fix this thing. If you sound biased to one side or in love with your idea, you risk estranging a reader who feels differently. You may possibly also sound like a jerky narcissist, which is bad. (Depending on the complexity of your proposal, you may need more than 1 paragraph.) State what needs to be in place for your solution to be workable. This is not the Harry Potter universe; no one can wave a wand and *poof!* problems are fixed. Certain other things need to be in place for a solution to work. Explain those factors. If you demonstrate that you have really thought out all the ramifications and implications of your solution, and that you are coming from an honest place of truly trying to help, people will begin to empathize with you. This empathy strengthens your position. (You may need more than 1 paragraph here, too) State how your solution would actually in some way benefit all stakeholders. The more benefits the better; get creative! Keep in mind: moral principles are nice and ideologies are fine and please state them where relevant, but what people really like is money. Ye$, money. Is there any way in which your solution is an economic benefit (for an individual, a society, the government, etc.) or at least NOT an economic burden? (ßThe "here is how everyone benefits" paragraph = YOUR CONCLUSION!)