Instruction
Persuasive Essay Requirements
Based on what you are reading in the Kent Lewis textbook so far, you are to write a persuasive argument on the following topic:
Recent protests/demonstrations. Choose only 1 of the following protests:
- Indian protest in Delhi (farmers and government reforms)
- Netherlands curfew riots (COVID lockdown measures)
- Insurgence on US Capitol (Proud Boys, QAnon, etc. who’s responsible?)
- Black Live Matter Canada (August protest to defund police and put resources into addressing
systemic racism and BIPOC Canadians)
- Maritime Lobster dispute (Nova Scotia, Mi’kmaq vs non-indigenous fishing rights)
- Australia Day protests in Sydney (Indigenous concerns and changing the name and date)
- Hong Kong pro-democracy protests (extradition to mainland China; national security law)
- Other.... If you are aware of another recent protest that you are passionate about, you are
welcome to use it.
Research the topic of the protest and then write a persuasive essay that clearly takes a stance on the issue - evaluate if you agree with the demands behind your chosen protest or explain why you disagree. Your stance on the issue must be made evident in your thesis statement, written as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. Support your stance through at least four credible and authoritative sources, which need to be accurately cited and referenced. The particular rhetorical or structural approach is up to you, but it should include first person writing and aim at convincing the reader that your point of view is correct. Avoid making the rhetorical and logical mistakes Lewis mentions as examples of poor argumentation.
Remember to use questioning techniques to help build and develop your paragraph arguments.
Your arguments, evidence, and critical analysis will take into consideration questioning, components of a sound argument, logic, logical fallacies, and metaphors.
Technical parameters of the essay (a rubric will be posted):
Length - between 800 and 1000 words; not including the reference page.
Formatting - follow the APA document format: title page, pagination, double space throughout text (no additional line space between paragraphs), reference page. See student paper example on page 11 of the APA student guide. References must be on a separate page with hanging indents - does not count towards the word count.
Persuasive Essay Draft Review Considerations You and a partner will exchange drafts.
Your task is to offer suggestions and to identify any logical fallacies or rifts in any metaphors. Items to consider:
1. What is the writer’s stance? Is it absolutely clear?
2. Identify any logical fallacies that need to be addressed in both the reasoning and any
refutations.
3. Identify any potential rifts in any metaphors.
4. Did the writer achieve the purpose?
5. What were some positive aspects of the draft that stood out?
You do not need to comment on the APA, sources, or writing mechanics unless the writer requests this.