Writing Exercise 2: The Art of Argument
Overview
Speeches are often synonymous with rhetoric. Memorable speeches are often praised for their artistic qualities and passion that stir an audience’s emotions. Listen to, and consider, for example:
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech
Greta Thurnberg’s speech about climate change at the UN
In this writing exercise, you are being asked to write (or at least begin) an artistic and passionate speech or text about an issue that matters to you. In doing this, you should also be thinking about the exigency (i.e., why that issue matters now) and your audience (i.e., how and why they care and/or should care about the issue).
Instructions
In three fully and thoughtfully developed paragraphs (4-8 sentences per paragraph), convince an audience of your peers to understand and support your stance about a social issue that you are passionate about (e.g., gun control, climate change, the gender pay gap, immigration, prison industrial complex, the problem of income inequality in America, etc.). As you write, consider not only what you think about the issue, but how you can convince others to support your stance (i.e., think about what would be compelling and persuasive to them).
Grading
This assignment is worth up to 3 points:
3 points: You will earn full credit for a complete and organized response.
0.5-2.5 points: You will earn partial credit for partial work.
0 points: You will earn no credit for no work or late work.
Please see the rubric for additional grading information.
