Persuasive Essay Assignment

  

Note: If you were not in class last Monday to receive instructions for this assignment, STOP HERE and email me at dhdelao@gmail.com for specific directions.

For those in class this Monday, highlight below to view text:

Your assignment is to write a persuasive essay about same-sex marriage in California. As you know, you took an either pro or con position on one the issue. Your assignment is to write a concise essay in which you argue the OPPOSITE of the position you took in class. For example, if you took the position that same-sex marriage should not be allowed, you must now argue that it should be allowed.

For this particular essay, do not supplement your argument with outside texts. Instead, the basis of your argument should come from the pro or con articles of the e-reader. Cite at least three of the following articles to support your thesis:

Pro same-sex marriage writers should draw their evidence from the following articles only:

• “The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage” by Theodore B. Olson
• “Same-Sex Marriage: ‘A Basic Civil Right’” by James Rotondi
• “Same-Sex Marriage: Losing a Battle, Winning the War” by Andrew Cohen
• “Stupidity, Gay Marriage, and the Evolution of Religion” by Dan Agin
• “Why I Fought for the Right to Say ‘I Do’” by Greta Christina
• “An Argument For Same-Sex Marriage: An Interview with Jonathan Rauch” by David Masci 

Anti-same-sex marriage writers should draw their evidence from the following articles only:

• “Why One Queer Person is Not Celebrating California's Historic Gay Marriage Decision” by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore
• “Preserve Traditional Marriage for Benefit of Future Generations” by Roger Crouse
• “The Worst Thing About Gay Marriage” by Sam Shulman
• “We Don't Need Gay Marriage” by Mark Vernon
• “Sex and Consequences” by Peter Wood
• “An Argument Against Same-Sex Marriage: An Interview with Rick Santorum” by David Masci

When constructing your argument, be conscious of the fallacies of logic we discussed in class. Look for them in the arguments against your position, but also be careful not to use them to propel your thesis.

Points you might consider in your argument:

• What is a civil right?
• Can this debate be framed as a civil rights issue?
• What is the historical role of marriage in societies?
• How does this affect children and families?
• What considerations, if any, should religion be given in this debate?
• What considerations, if any, should science be given in this debate?

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 2.5-page minimum

The best papers:

• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
• Clearly support the thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing at least three articles from the reader
• Cite a minimum of three articles to support the thesis
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Due: Monday, March 15 (Draft 1, Bring three copies)