Average Man 2011B Flashcards
argumentative essay - write the extent to which
before you start writing your argumentative essay, you MUST read the prompt carefully to understand the type of essay to write
understand the prompt
if the prompt asks you to explain “the extent to which” a statement is true, you can write a defend, challenge, or qualify piece. you can decide how much or how true the statement is
how to start
think about your own personal experience. find a line for yourself on the issue considering what you believe. try to think of scenarios where you can see both sides of the issue. for example: how do i feel about security checks in airports? how do i feel about the law that makes me wear a seat belt?
brainstorm ideas
throw out ideas until you come up with a point of extent. for example: when do i want to feel safe more than be free? find your own personal line on the issue. the line is different for each person
develop your position
as you write, give examples that support your position. include examples from your brainstorm session
consider the counterargument
what is the other side of the issue? what objections might someone have to your claims? you should address this concerns in your essay, but not in such a way that it undermines the strength of your position
how to use counterargument
however, if you get stuck in your writing, turning to a counterargument is a good place to go. first bring up objections to your position, and then explain why your position is still true
data
- during a terrorist attack, people willingly hide in closets or under furniture
- many people take part in civil rights marches, though they could be jailed or injured for doing it
- the government collects and evaluates emails and phone records to track and stop terrorists
- ## most people war restraining seat belts when they ride in a car; seat belts have saved many lives
CHALLENGE Mencken’s observations
- transcendentalists sacrifice safety by living in the woods because they value freedom
- if i were being held captive in a shed, i would value my freedom over safety
- i’m a member of the ACLU, and i never agree to sacrifice freedom or bend the constitution
- in the novel “1984” people wish to be free because living without freedom is not a life
- people always protest if their freedoms are impugned, which indicates everyone wants freedom
- people want to be free and are willing to sacrifice their need for safety in order to maintain it
DEFEND Mencken’s observations
- people want to be safe and would be willing to sacrifice small freedoms in order to maintain it
- the average person will run away from anything that puts his/her life at risk
- on Sept 11, 2001, Americans were ready to sacrifice all freedoms for safety
- if bombs were being dropped on my city, i wouldn’t care about freedom, just my safety
- in history people sought freedom, but it has come at great cost, and safety is valued more now
- freedom is defined in the constitution, and we constantly challenge and refine this definition
QUALIFY Mencken’s observations
- while people do wish to be safe, if their freedom is removed, they will fight to get it back
- surveillance cameras at the store take away some freedom, but the safety they provide is worth it
- safety is valuable to most people, but if their freedom is being harmed, safety is secondary
- most people wish to be safe, but some outliers in society crave pure freedom
- in some situations you can sacrifice your freedom for safety, like at the airport, but not always