Choose a text in which the author or speaker tries to persuade an audience about a problem or issue.Summarize the author’s argument and supporting points and develop and support your own response to some of this author’s arguments or points. Your argument statement should state your own position and main points about the issue in response to the text.Agree with the author and explain why, adding your own supporting points and details, or you can disagree with the author and explain why you disagree. A third option is to agree with some aspects of the author’s argument while disagreeing with others—a compromise position.
Be sure to choose a text that takes an obvious position on an issue and attempts to argue that position persuasively; do not choose a text in which the author’s primary purpose is to inform. Possible types of texts include the following:
- Write a short essay or persuasive article by a writer in which the writer attempts to persuade an audience to act or take a position on an issue.
- Develop a speech by a past or present political figure, politician, or other public figure. The speech should be focused on one primary issue and not be more than 20 min. Or, you could choose a segment of a longer speech to be sure the part you choose is focused on one issue.