Comparing Arguments

Read the following sections in CEL Ch. 9, "Responding to Arguments," in preparation for this assignment:

• Bruno, "Entitlement Education," CEL Ch. 9 p. 269-274


• Benlow, "'Have it Your Way'" CEL Ch. 9 p. 275-278


• Winhover, "The Power of Failure," CEL Ch. 9 p.279-282


• "Analysis" in CEL Ch. 9, p. 285-288

You are focusing in this unit on learning how to make your ideas for research and writing stand out. You are also listening for what others are already writing and saying about the issue you have chosen to explore. In the process of investigating the existing "conversation" about your chosen issue, one important skill to practice is noticing and analyzing how and why people offer different perspectives on the same basic topic or issue. For this activity, you will compare several arguments and look for the different claims, reasons, and support that the writers use to develop their ideas.

Assignment:

As you read over the three "Readings" in Ch. 9, you will notice that each of the readings is broadly concerned with the topic of "education." For this activity, use the questions below to compare the different ways the three writers define and explore issues within the broad topics of education.  

• What are the central issues each writer focuses on within the broad topic of "education"? What central terms are important to each of the three writers (i.e. "injustice" for Bruno, p.272)?


• How do the three arguments address "students" differently?


• Which of the three arguments did you feel addressed YOU as a student most effectively? Why?


• How do the three arguments present evidence for their ideas? Which of the arguments presented evidence that was most convincing to you? Why? 

Use the questions above to guide you as you write a response of at least 200 words in 1-2 full, coherent paragraphs. Note: you do not have to answer each of these questions word for word in your paragraph(s), but your response overall should show that you have read and considered all of the questions above. Submit your response to this assignment.