For this question, you will need to consider the course materials on argument and persuasion; it is un-timed and open book, so feel free to review course materials as you work. It does not require
formatting or citing of any outside sources, but it should be a full paragraphed essay. Using the
materials provided in this module, you should be able to write your answer in an hour or less. Major
tip: Please type your essay in a word processing program, and then copy and paste it over to Canvas
when you're ready to submit it. That way, you won't lose your work and have to start over if Canvas
glitches up.
The essay prompt:
The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius once said, "Waste no more time arguing over what a good man
[or woman) should be. Be one."
With good essay structure (should have intro/thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion), in a
minimum of five hundred words, describe a single specific context in which you will apply the
principles of argument to your life in the present or future to make a positive difference in the world.
This assignment is asking you to demonstrate knowledge of argument principles through real-life
application, so you need to be as specific as possible. You might discuss a community matter (the
community of this college, of your hometown, of an interest group in which you take part - sports,
the arts, etc.), a charitable cause that is important to you, a local or national issue you are passionate
about, a career matter, or a personal/family matter. State how and why you will be able to make a
difference with your newfound knowledge of argument principles, and describe the situation in as much
detail as you can. What is the change or difference you wish to make? What actions will you carry
Out?
In your answer, please demonstrate your knowledge of at least three major concepts of argument and
persuasion by describing how you will utilize them in your specific chosen context. Some possible
choices are: the concepts of logos/ethos/pathos, the principles of logical fallacies; the reality of gray
areas and ambiguities within any argument (rather than issues being black and white); the
importance of conceding points in order to strengthen your own position; the benefits of objective
and fair acknowledgement of opposing arguments; the necessity of valid and logical research and
evidence; the use of qualifiers and moderate, formal language; the knowledge of the end as a place
of importance and emphasis; or anything else we have discussed this semester in relation to
argument. Your choices are not limited to this list.