The first draft is due Thursday, 11/29, by 11:59 p.m. The requirement for the first draft is a minimum of two full pages (no Works Cited page required for the first draft). Name the file E3D1, and submit the file to Turnitin, in the folder called "Essay 3, Draft 1 - Argument/Analysis (Section 2022)." Bring a paper copy to class on Friday, 11/30, for peer review.
As with all other essays, Essay 3 must be MLA-formatted, double-spaced and written in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Use one of these file extensions: .doc, .docx, .rtf or .odt. Do not submit a .txt (text) file.
Writing Prompts:
- Fast Food and Health
- Write an argument essay that responds to Radley Balko's article "What You Eat Is Your Business." You may agree, disagree, or both agree and disagree.
- Write an argument essay that responds to Paul Campos' article "Being Fat Is OK." You may agree, disagree, or both agree and disagree.
- In "Being Fat Is OK," written in 2001, Paul Campos downplays the idea that Americans are overweight. However, a recent report states that we are trending toward obesity, with most Americans being obese by 2030. Write an argument essay that responds to Campos, factoring in the report's information.
- If that recent report is true, and if we are headed toward an obesity epidemic, then how can we prevent a crisis? What are the solutions? What steps must we take? In your essay, make this argument.
- Media
- In "Watching TV Makes You Smarter," Steven Johnson discusses the benefits of watching TV. In "Thinking outside the Idiot Box," Dana Stevens responds to Johnson, presenting a different perspective, and also discusses "the wet-blanket Puritanism of the anti-TV crowd." Which piece is more effective/persuasive, and why? Respond to this prompt in an argument essay.
- To analyze is to break down a subject in order to gain a clearer understanding of that subject. In "Watching TV Makes You Smarter," Johnson analyzes various TV shows to support his argument. He breaks episodes down into their plots, sub-plots, characters, indicators (i.e., flashing arrows), etc., and he presents his findings in graphs. Using Johnson as a model, write an analysis essay in which you examine three TV shows or three TV commercials (your chosen texts). Analyze these texts, breaking them down into their parts, in order to support your argument. You can also develop your own graphs to support your claim.
- In "Bart Simpson: Prince of Irreverence," Douglas Rushkoff analyzes The Simpsons to support his argument about the show. Using Rushkoff as a model, choose a television show that you watch regularly, and write an essay in which you analyze the show in order to support your unique argument about it.
- Write an argument essay in which you take a stand on the intellectual merits of television. Consider the arguments of Johnson, Stevens and Rushkoff. Frame your essay as a response to one of them.
- Technology
- In "What's the Matter with Kids Today?", Amy Goldwasser argues that today's tech-savvy youth are strong critical thinkers. What do you think? Responding to Goldwasser, write an argument essay in which you take a stand on this issue. Provide examples from your own experiences and observations.
- Amy Goldwasser and Sherry Turkle both use questioning titles in their essays; however, their positions are quite different. Of the two readings ("What's the Matter with Kids Today?" and "Can You Hear Me Now?"), which piece is more effective, and why? Respond to this prompt in an argument essay.
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