Rogreian essay
Promt: Should the Biden administration’s plan to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt for borrowers be implemented?
Think of a Rogerian paper as a Pro/Con essay, except you hold a specific position (and possible proposal for compromise) to the problem. Wait until after presenting a thorough explanation of the opposing position before sharing your position, and then validate, support, and emphasize its merit using evidence, data, logic, examples, and anecdotes.
Introduction: State the problem you hope to resolve, identifying what the source in conflict is and why there are multiple ways of looking at the issue. By presenting your issue as a problem, you raise the possibility of positive change.
Summary of Opposing View: As accurately and neutrally as possible, identify and acknowledge the opposing view. The goal is to convince readers that you clearly understand the other side’s position. By doing this you show that you can listen without judging and have given a fair hearing to people who think differently from you.
Validation of Opponent’s View: To show respect and understanding, recognize why your opponent’s view is logical and valid (in some situations). Recognize why someone could feel or think the way they do. Under which conditions might you share these views?
Statement of Your Position: State your position convincingly (include your thesis statement here), but remain fair, open-minded, and non-confrontational. Based on the topic, this may take several paragraphs.
Validation of Your Position: Provide convincing evidence and sound reasoning why your argument should also be considered. Describe situations in which your views are logical. By showing that your position has merit in specific contexts, opponents feel more inclined to agree in part and share common ground. Don’t explicitly state or demand that your position is best or you’ll lose the mutual understanding you’re working towards.
Work to bring the two sides together if possible: Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for any possible compromise, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone.
Benefits of Your Position/Conclusion: As you conclude, show why your thesis and position are beneficial. Remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the middle.
All quotes should include text weaving (weaving quoted text into your own writing and assertions)
75% of the text should be your views and assertions and 25% comprised of outside sources
Cite using MLA guidelines and include a Works Cited page
Bring specific examples and concrete details into the intro to make the problem clear for reader—present both sides of the issue and explain the controversy at hand. You can also explore why there are multiple ways of looking at the dispute (or problem).
No thesis in the first paragraph— don’t offer (or admit) your position—the reader should not even know the writer’s position early on in the paper; instead, engage the reader with a hook and an affable overview of the problem (tone is essential).
Others believe… Some feel… People think…are vague. Try to find specific groups—government, organizations, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.
