The Persuasive Essay
Argumentation and Persuasion: Part I
Objectives
• To consider strategies for crafting a persuasive argumentative essay, supported by logical
reasoning and textual evidence
• To reflect on two relevant and pressing cultural issues in American life today
• To read opposing arguments on the same topic, and to evaluate the effectiveness of
various authors’ claims and use of persuasive strategies
• To write a compelling, evidence-based five-paragraph essay on one of two relevant and
pressing cultural issues in American life today
Rationale
The purpose of this assignment is to apply what we are learning about argumentative and
persuasive writing to a highly relevant, and sometimes divisive, topic in today’s world—either
the ethics of race-based humor and the effects it has on society, or the nature of the so-called
“Cancel Culture” phenomenon and the extent to which it is a force for good or ill in this world.
After reading this document, please visit the Week 5 sub-modules to learn more about these
paper topics.
Throughout the duration of this learning activity, you will encounter arguments that are
likely to both confirm and challenge your own, perhaps deeply held, views. I encourage you to
embrace the discomfort this may cause, viewing it as a good and helpful exercise in critical
thinking and resilience. Keep in mind that wrestling with your opponents’ views is one of the
best strategies for strengthening your own convictions and your ability to argue persuasively
from those convictions.
As an educator, I strongly agree with the following assertion, once made by the former
president of the University of Chicago, Hanna Holborn Gray: “Education should not be
intended to make people comfortable, it is meant to make people think.”i Similarly, the authors
of the book The College Writer state, “College is a place where big issues get argued out—in class
and out. To participate in that dialogue, you must be able to read and listen to others’
arguments, analyze them, and build your own” (293). My goal for this assignment is to give you
just this kind of opportunity, and I aim to make it stimulating and engaging as well.
Instruction and Expectations
Five Paragraphs in Length
Your essay must have an engaging introduction with a clearly-defined thesis statement, three
body paragraphs, and a satisfying conclusion. Each body paragraph should devote itself to
arguing one facet of your thesis statement. So, in other words, you will need to come up with
three supporting points to argue why you feel the way you do about your topic. I recommend
that you draw up an outline containing your thesis statement and three supporting points before
beginning to write.
Textual Evidence
Your essay must contain at least three pieces of directly cited textual evidence, ideally one per
body paragraph. I encourage you to cite the resources provided in your topic’s sub-module,
including articles, podcasts, and videos. At least one of those pieces of textual evidence needs to
be a quote with which you disagree. This requirement demands that you engage with your
counterargument. The other two pieces of textual evidence should be in support of your
argument. Please cite all textual evidence according to MLA standards, and include a works cited
page on a separate document.
Audience and Tone
Remember your audience (me) and strive to maintain a professional and academic tone
throughout your essay. Avoid using potentially-offensive language. If you must cite an expletive
to make a point, try to abbreviate it in some way to soften its effect.
Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Proofread your essay carefully to ensure that your argument comes through clearly. Avoiding
writing in the first person. Strive to vary your diction and syntax.
Due Date
Please submit your finished essay to the dropbox found in the Week 6 module and by the due
date indicated there. Please attach your Works Cited page to the same dropbox, but as a
separate document. This is so that the content of your Works Cited page will not interfere
with your word count and your Turnitin Originality Score.
If you have any questions or concerns about this assignment, please feel free to reach out to me.