Write an exploratory essay (750 words minimum) that examines at least 3 different positions on your approved issue. the three positions should not have significant overlap. You must first post your issue question with your initial response in the form of a claim/thesis in the E3 forum to get final approval. You will NOT be arguing for any of the particular positions you identify in this paper as you did in the first 2 essays. Rather, you will be examining multiple perspectives held by different groups. How, you ask?
Well, first consider the rhetorical situation (Links to an external site.) of the issue and establish its importance to the audience, then name the various positions using short, descriptive phrases; a model for the thesis is something like this: The three most common positions on this issue are . . . Next, describe ANY position on the issue; then summarize the complete opposite position; finally, find another perspective, perhaps somewhere triangulated away from the first two positions for the third point of view but avoid any overlap. Your audience should NOT be able to guess the position you would argue if it were that kind of position paper. You should be as objective as possible and use 3rd-person point of view only — no I, we, you, me, our, etc. Do not do any research for this assignment; I am only interested in your ability to examine an issue fairly from multiple perspectives. Still, your thesis should have an argumentative edge; you can accomplish this easily by stating that the particular perspectives you summarize represent the most common — or most extreme — points of view on the issue. Assume a universal audience – educated, reasonable, normal adults interested in your issue, and willing to listen but haven’t made up their minds on the issue question yet.
Your essay should have:
an introduction that sets up the context and the rhetorical situation of your issue and ends with an opinion/thesis briefly naming (in short phrases) the distinct positions regarding that issue; this will be your thesis, but remember: it is NOT the particular position on the issue YOU would argue for.
exactly one body paragraph for each separate position in which that position is named more completely in the topic sentence, then objectively explored and described through sub points supported with a lot of specific details and examples that group might use to explain and defend its position. Use tags to remind readers that different groups hold these different positions: one group argues . . .; a different group asserts the opposite opinion that . . .; a third group claims . . .
a conclusion that briefly reiterates why the issue is important and also indicates what additional questions might need to be answered if an audience member needed to choose the position that has the most merit. DO NOT REVEAL YOUR OWN POSITION, but consider offering a call to action or some advice for that issue’s particular discourse community that is your interested, universal audience. For example, what can you ask them to do so that they can make up their own minds about the issue question?
plenty of transitional words and phrases, both between paragraphs and within paragraphs between sub points and specific details.
DO NOT do any research for this assignment. I am interested only in how YOU describe multiple positions regarding your chosen issue. No matter what the issue, you can use your imagination to describe the position someone might have (wink, wink, nudge, nudge), the position that directly and completely opposes that position, and another position somewhere between the two opposites, yes?
Compose your essay in Microsoft Word (or save as rich text format and indicate that with your identification info) using the Writing Assignment Template and save the file as lastname_E3final. For example, my file would be named hennessey_E3final. Include the signed Integrity Statement at the bottom of the document, then submit here as an attachment.
Please post any questions about this assignment to the E3 forum. Thanks!
Assignment Essentials Checklist:
All drafts must be typed in the same 12-pont font.
Use the Writing Assignment Template Download Writing Assignment Templateto format your name, date, section, essay number, word count, header, and signed integrity statement. Submit ONLY .rtf, .doc, or docx file formats.
Center a creative title using a model from here, but don’t underline or italicize it.
Use 3rd-person point of view only — no I, we, you, me, our, etc.
Underline the thesis and all topic sentences.
Single-space the text.
Explain why the issue is important.
Describe 3 separate positions on the issue.
Use at least 2 metaphors or similes.
Include the signed integrity statement.
Set Up Spelling & Grammar Checker and use it.
Final drafts must show substantial revision from first drafts.
Papers that do not meet this format will earn up to a one letter-grade deduction.
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