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For this unit, you will create two short arguments on a topic vetted by the course
instructor.
Part I. Editorial (100 points). An editorial is a piece of writing that expresses an opinion
about a current event or issue. The purpose of an editorial is to persuade a
particular audience (example: persuading young people that voting is important
so they should go out and vote; persuading democrats that President Obama
should cut a deal with Republicans on extending the tax breaks; persuading
urban Americans that eating meat is unethical, so they should all become
vegetarians; etc.).
1. A lead paragraph detailing your opinion about a local issue or problem. The
problem or issue defined should be very tightly focused and local in nature, not
global. Avoid complex multifaceted issues like global warming, legalization of
marijuana, terrorism, abortion, stem cell research, and so on. Instead, focus on a
local problem or issue such as whether or not a proposed federal prison should be
built in your home town. The issue should be real and identified through your
own research from reputable media sources.
2. Several paragraphs discussing your opinion about the problem in detail. You
should break the issue down into specific parts and argue each part carefully
thorough the presentation of evidence. All evidence obtained through research
should be cited in APA style.
3. A concluding paragraph or two explaining your position on the issue and what
action should be taken, if any.
4. Your editorial should conform to the purpose, audience, structure and style of
editorials published in quality newspapers such as the New York Times or
Washington Post. Do not confuse the quality, length, and rigor of your editorial
with a mere letter to the editor.
Length requirements: 600-800 words (2-3 pages, double spaced, 1-inch margins, font and
size: Times New Roman 12; sources cited in APA style).
II. Visual Argument (100 points). This assignment requires you to construct a visual
argument supporting the claim of your editorial. The assignment has two parts: