This thesis-driven essay asks you to prepare yourself to write an argument by closely analyzing the argument of another. This exercise in identifying, examining, and evaluating the working parts of an argument can help us learn useful (and avoid less useful) patterns in our own thinking and writing.
Topics
Any editorial or opinion piece from a reputable periodical (but NOT from the sports, style, entertainment, or business sections of the newspaper) will be sufficient for this assignment. Periodicals such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly, The National Geographic, The Entrepreneur, etc. are highly recommended for this assignment. Be sure to choose a well-written editorial on a topic of interest to you, which will help you stay engaged through the entire process of composing the paper. However, bear in mind that you should keep your own opinions out of this paper. You must argue objectively about the quality of the argument, not the position it espouses.
Research
This is not a research paper, but you will be required to cite your editorial using in-text/parenthetical and bibliographic citations.
Analysis
You must analyze the editorial’s argument objectively using the Toulmin Model of Argumentation. You will 1) identify the major parts of the argument (claims + reasons = enthymeme, warrants, qualifiers, evidence, and rebuttals) AND 2) evaluate whether the author makes a successful/mediocre/unsuccessful argument.
At the prewriting stage, consider these questions:
1) What is the author’s claim and what reasons are given to back up the claim?
2) How sound are the warrants that connect the claim and the reasons?
3) Is the evidence presented in a reliable fashion?
4) Does the author make appropriate use of qualifiers?
5) Does the author acknowledge possible refutations to her/his argument? How does s/he explain or approach different arguments on the same issue?

Structural Pattern for the Final-for-Now Draft:
(This section due: 28 July) Introduction: Explain the source of controversy surrounding the issue discussed in the selected editorial. What should the reader know to help her/him make sense of the issue? Why do people disagree? Does the disagreement have to do with problems in finding and/or evaluating the sources of support and evidence? Does it have to do with differing values? Introduce the editorial itself. Identify the author and the title. Summarize the author’s argument (i.e., how the author approaches and analyzes this controversial issue). Say whether the author makes a successful/mediocre/unsuccessful argument. This is your thesis. (Remember, the question of whether the argument is successful or not differs from the question of whether you agree or disagree with the author’s claim.)
Body: Argue your thesis. Use your knowledge of the basic elements of an argument (claim, reasons, warrants, qualifiers, evidence, and rebuttals) and how they work together in order to prove your thesis.
Paragraph 1: Discuss the enthymeme (i.e., the claim and reasons).
Paragraph 2: Discuss the warrant.
Paragraph 3: Discuss the qualifiers.
Paragraphs 4 and 5: Discuss the evidence.
Paragraph 6: Discuss the rebuttal.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis using different words, and then, try to engage your reader by putting the discussed issue into a more profound framework. What can make or break an argument? What contributes to one’s successful argumentation? How do effective arguments influence our perceptions of and responses to important and controversial social issues?
Assessment
I will read your final-for-now draft for:
1) A strong introduction that provides general background on the issue, identifies the editorial, and includes a clear, focused thesis statement
2) The depth of analysis—your close reading and interpretation of the text following the Toulmin Model + evidence in support of your thesis statement
3) The correct identification of the elements of the Toulmin Model
4) A strong conclusion that provides closure for the essay and leaves the reader satisfied
5) Writing conventions: grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and MLA style of documentation in the draft and on the Works Cited page.