https://opentodebate.org/debate/is-the-american-dream-in-decline/
This essay will ask you to take a stance and develop an argument about your Open to Debate topic. You must choose one of the topics provided from the links below. The purpose of this essay is to see how well you can combine much of the critical thinking tools we have been learning about all semester.
The classical argument will be the structure for this essay. Please review the lecture from this week and classical argument handout. Also, review the sample essay above.
However, briefly, your paragraphs must contain the following.
Intro must provide an overview of the topic from your perspective. You should have a clear thesis that indicates the stance you have on the subject.
Narration must provide an unbiased overview of the topic. This is not the place for your opinion, it is an objective assessment of the topic.
Claims sections can be between 3-4 paragraphs. You can use the Intelligence Squared debate as a source, but there should be at least two more sources used. Claims should have a clear topic sentence, cited evidence, and analysis.
Acknowledgement and Refutation sections must address only one cited claim from the opponent. The claim must be refuted either by pointing out a weakness in the claim itself or by providing a rational argument for why your claim is still the stronger one.
Summation should not merely summarize the argument, it must present a more meaningful–and inspiring–assessment of the argument as a whole.
Essay should be 6-9 pages, plus a work cited page. You will need at least 3 sources (the Open to Debate website must count as one source). MLA format.
