argumentation and debate

Op-Ed Assignment
Your task is to write a newspaper-quality opinion piece for a local (Omaha or Nebraska)
audience. Choose a topic that is timely and relevant to your audience and write a
compelling piece that argues for your position on an issue.
Your op-ed should be 500-750 words long, 12 point Calibri or Times New Roman font,
with 1” margins. Include a word count at the bottom of your article. Be sure to include a
headline for the article, as well.
As you write, be mindful of the lessons you’ve learned about argumentation in the class
so far (e.g., inductive/deductive logic, Toulmin model, source credibility, emotional
appeals, etc.). You should also reference the MasterClass “Guide to Op-Eds.”
Topic selection
The issue you select should be interesting to you, and you should have a clear opinion
on it. It may be local, national, or international, but you must connect it to a local
audience.
Your topic should also be timely, meaning it should regard something that is happening
right now (in the last 1-2 weeks). You will likely have to do some reading as a part of
your brainstorm for topic selection. I would recommend looking at reputable newspapers
rather than blogs or partisan publications.
Grading criteria
Topic 10 pts – Topic should be timely and relevant. Your position on the topic should be
clear.
Argumentation 40 pts – Logical arguments should be structured effectively (claim,
warrant, evidence). Arguments from emotion should be
compelling and convincing. There should be at least three clear
claims contributing to your overall position on the issue.
Evidence 20 pts – Claims should be supported by research from qualified sources.
Those qualifications should be present in the article text.
Audience adaptation 10 pts – You should make a discernible effort to connect the topic
and your claims to a local audience.
Voice and structure 10 pts – Your article should follow a structure that makes sense,
with a compelling lede and a conclusion. It should also be
professional but reflect your personal opinion and style.
Writing 10 pts – Please carefully proofread your article before submitting it. It should be
free of typos and grammatical errors. Take the kind of care you’d show
to the article if you were actually submitting it to a newspaper for the
public to read.

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