Tuesday's Assignment

For Tuesday:

 

Choose one of the topics below (OR one of the argumentative topics available at: http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/topics.htm). State your position on the topic. Write a thoughtful sentence stating your claim and incorporate this into your introductory paragraph. Follow your introductions with adequate evidence--facts, details, examples, statistics, expert opinion--infused with emotional undertones. Make sure you establish your credibility by allowing for opposing arguments, which you refute with logic and reason. Draw a conclusion that is effective, strong, and leaves the reader favorable impressed.  Keep in mind that: ". . . opinions are not necessarily correct or incorrect. The ultimate purpose of a good argument is not to convince others that your claim is absolutely right or wrong. It is to demonstrate that it is plausible--worth listening to, and maybe even acting on" (Cooley 488).

 

• Should every able-bodied citizen be required to serve for a certain period of time in some branch of the military service? Why or why not?
• Should sex education be taught in public schools? Why or why not?
• "Television has made America a nation of watchers, not doers." Agree or disagree.
• Do you think that sports help develop good character? Discuss.
• Should children be disciplined by physical punishment? Discuss.
• Do you believe that violence in television programs leads to violence in our society? Explain.
• Should government-owned wilderness areas be preserved? Discuss why or why not.
• Should prostitution be legalized? Discuss.
• "Professional athletes and entertainers are among the highest paid people in this country -- and justifiably so." Agree or disagree.
• Should fathers be given the same chance as mothers to gain custody of their minor children? Discuss.
• Should the United States severely restrict the import of foreign cars for sale in the United States? Discu Should American students be required to learn a second language? Why or why not?
• Discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of nuclear power as a source of energy.
• Should public agencies be required to inform parents if their minor children (those under 17) seek birth control? Discuss.
• Should adoption records be open to the people directly involved (the person adopted, the biological parents and/or the adoptive parents)? Explain why or why not.