Category: English

Learning Objectives 
Compose a Rogerian Argument Essay maintaining a formal, academic tone.
Select an adequate topic for a Rogerian Argument Essay.
Use research that is appropriate and adequate to support one’s claims in an essay
Evaluate the logic of and rhetorical devices used in the arguments of others.
Evaluate the central idea, and support provided for that idea, in the writings of others.
Distinguish factual statements from judgmental statements and knowledge from opinion.
Evaluate claims and arguments for validity and reliability.
Appraise the work of peers based on a rubric or set of specified criteria.
Introduction: Rogerian Argument Essay 
When most of us think of argument, we think about winners of arguments and losers of arguments. Arguments, even sometimes academic arguments, can be strong and forceful. An Aristotelian or classical argument is a strong, “this is my assertion and here’s why I am right” kind of argument. But that kind of argument isn’t going to work in all situations. When your audience is a really difficult one in the sense that you know your audience isn’t going to completely agree with your side of the issue, it can be a good idea to try to find a middle ground. The Rogerian argument finds that middle ground.
Based on the work of psychologist Carl RogersLinks to an external site. a Rogerian argument focuses on finding a middle ground between the author and the audience. This type of argument can be extremely persuasive and can help you, as a writer, understand your own biases and how you might work to find common ground with others.
Here is a summary of the basic strategy for a Rogerian argument:
In your essay, first, introduce the problem.
Acknowledge the other side before you present your side of the issue. This may take several paragraphs.
Next, you should carefully present your side of the issue in a way that does not dismiss the other side. This may also take several paragraphs.
You should then work to bring the two sides together. Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for the middle ground here, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone. This should be a key focus of your essay and may take several paragraphs.
Finally, in your conclusion, remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the middle.
Assignment
In our professional readings thus far, we have explored a variety of ethical issues, some of which have (hopefully) been important to you. For this assignment, I would like you to choose an ethical issue that you have discovered in your readings in this class so far, either in the assigned essays or in those you have read from The Best American Essays collection. Therefore, your first source must be from one of the class readings. 
Next, you will develop two different perspectives about this ethical issue, find common ground between these two views and take a position that carefully considers both sides of the issue. See the Rogerian Argument introduction above and the Textbook Readings on Rogerian Argument for more guidance on this essay’s rhetorical methods. 
To develop your position, you will need two (2) additional credible sources that explore this ethical issue (from the library databases)
For inspiration and ideas, review the readings in the class so far, including those from The Best American Essays collections. 
You will also be required to use the outline template below for this essay. 
Choosing a Topic
I recommend choosing an ethical issue that you have some kind of connection with. Then, create an open-ended question that can be explored in a Rogerian argument that examines more than one answer. Some example questions from the readings (including the corresponding authors) include: 
How has a historical and contemporary lack of LGBTQ+ acceptance impacted the mental health of this community? (Sedaris)  
What should be the limits of invention in creative nonfiction? (Sedaris)  
Why are King’s radical methods of achieving a diverse, egalitarian society still relevant today? (King)
Who should be responsible for helping people living in poverty? (Hardin)  
To what extent is the acceptance of diverse languages crucial for an ethical society? (Anzaldua) 
Throughout your essay, please:
Use several specific examples (brief summaries, paraphrases and quotes) from your chosen texts to develop the key ideas for someone who hasn’t read them. 
Use objective, unbiased language to present both sides of the argument
Explain each example for your reader and use your critical voice to support your points. You may also include your own specific, detailed examples from experience. 
Use signal phrases (Orwell) and vigorous verbs (claims, argues, disagrees, describes) to indicate authorial action. 
Use transitional expressions and the repetition of key ideas to connect all the parts of your essay. 
Readings
Argument & Critical Thinking Textbook Selections:
Rogerian Argument, Rogerian Infographic, Sample Rogerian Argument, Using Evidence, Argument & Audience, Rhetorical Analysis, Pre-Writing, MLA Documentation 
Professional Essays Thus Far
Orwell, “Shooting an Elephant”
Emerson, “Circles”
Sedaris, “A Plague of Tics” & “I like Guys” (audio) 
Cardel et. al. “The Ethics of Laugher: David Sedaris and Humor Memoir” 
Eighner, “On Dumpster Diving” 
Anzaldua, “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” 
Lopez, “The Invitation” 
King, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Sanford “Which water technology will save California from its long, dry death?”
DeSipio, “Demanding Equal Political Voice…The Quest For Latino Political Inclusion  
Hardin, “Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor
Your choice: Selections from The Best American Essays 2016 or 2017 (from the Library Databases) 
Use This Outline Template (Required): 
Accessible HTML: Rogerian Argument Outline: 
Rogerian Argument Outline
Keep in mind that each part may contain multiple paragraphs
Part I.: Introduction
Hook: A concrete piece of evidence that presents the problem (anecdote, fact, statistic, quotation from an expert, etc.) 
State the problem you hope to resolve and briefly summarize the opposing (or alternative) views.
Briefly explain the positive change you would like to see about the issue. 
Thesis statement that objectively presents two sides of the issue, and a position that takes a middle ground position (a compromise), or at least presents the opposition without biased language (2-3 sentences) 
Part II. First View (differs from, or is mostly different, from your own)
Transition from Thesis:
Examine the key points that support one side of the issue. Acknowledge that this viewpoint has merit within certain contexts. Educate the reader and verify that you understand this view correctly.
Specific evidence that supports this perspective (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective
Part III.: Second View (your view or most resembling your view)
Transition from First View:
Examine the points that support an alternative (opposing) position. This is your current position. Explain the key evidence which supports the reasons you have for choosing this stance, while maintaining neutrality. 
Specific evidence that supports your position (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective:
Part IV.: Common Ground
Transition from Your View:
Examine the points that support common
Specific evidence that supports common ground (including your own experiences or observations):
Explain and analyze how the evidence supports this perspective:
Part V: Conclusion: 
Present a concise summary of the strongest points of both sides of the argument. Craft a resolution that takes the best from both sides (compromise), shows the weaknesses from the opposing (or alternative) view(s), takes a (perhaps new) position and shows the strengths of this perspective.
Example Rogerian Essays (Found attached 
below)
Sample Rogerian Essay: The Ethics of Meat
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Sample Rogerian Essay: California Water Crisis 
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Sample Rogerian Essay: Indoor vs. Outdoor People 
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Requirements/Points:
MLA format, In-Text citations, 3+ sources (1 course essay), Works Cited, 1200-1500 words, 150 points

Word count: The minimum word count (1000) is required. Don’t count the text in the header or works cited. Also, don’t count direct quotes over three lines. Exceeding the maximum (1500) won’t be penalized. However, if your word count is excessive, consider asking teammates for ways to eliminate unnecessary text. 
1. Topic: Answer the question: Is the evidence or arguments for alien UFOs valid? Don’t take the middle ground. Reach a conclusion based on your investigation. 
2. Emphasis is on rhetoric (argument): Logical analysis: explain the strengths and weaknesses of evidence and argument, using logical fallacies, SMELL, Henry, or Prescott College’s “Evaluating Evidence.”
Analyze and evaluate at least four quotes. Additional sources are optional and in addition to the four required quotes:
Three quotes from what you consider the strongest evidence/arguments for the claim that UFOs are real and signs of alien visitations on planet Earth. They must come from three different sources in our list of readings and can be eyewitness accounts from credible witnesses or photos or videos.
One quote from a personal interview (or a discussion quote from a classmate) with a person who disagrees with you. The interviewee could be a classmate, friend, acquaintance, family member, coworker, etc.). For quotes from classmates, see our Laulima discussions for this paper. What is her/his main argument? Defend your position by discrediting her argument. Identify and explain the flaw in her logic or evidence. 
3. Secondary emphasis: See quoting and MLA. Be sure to include your interviewee in the list of works cited. Cite the sources for the four quotes using MLA guidelines. In most cases, I’ve provided the MLA works-cited format for each work in the readings.
4. Basic requirements: See the Checklist for All Drafts and basic sentence mechanics. Thesis statement: Insert a thesis sentence that points to your position.
Citations
JimS. “Quick Review of Logical Fallacies.” Jim’s Course Resources. Kapi’olani Community College, 22 Apr. 2011. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.
McManus, John. “Don’t Be Fooled: Use the SMELL Test to Separate Fact from Fiction Online.” MediaShift. PBS Hawaii, 7 Feb. 2013. Web. 7 Mar. 2015. [Alternate site: https://bit.ly/mcmanussmell] [WebCite alternative]
Henry, Alan. “How to Determine If a Controversial Statement Is Scientifically True.” Lifehacker. Lifehacker.com, 20 June 2012. Web. 7 Mar. 2015. [Alternate site: https://bit.ly/henryufo] [WebCite alternative]
“Evaluating Evidence.” Prescott College. [Alternate site: https://bit.ly/prescottevidence]; 
Evidence, The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Alternate source); Using Evidence. Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. (Alternate source).
Colavito, Jason. “Opinion: Congress Is Too Credulous on UFOs.” CNN, 28 July 2023. https://wordpress.com/post/eng100kcc.wordpress.com/2965
Hunt, Katie, and Ashley Strickland. “NASA Is Assembling a Team to Gather Data on Unidentifiable Events in the Sky.” CNN, 9 June 2022. (Alternate site: https://bit.ly/cnnnasaufo)
“US Navy Confirms UFO Videos Are the Real Deal.” YouTube, uploaded by CNN, 18 Sep. 2019, https://tinyurl.com/yyon7wkq.
Barnes, Julian E. “Many Military U.F.O. Reports Are Just Foreign Spying or Airborne Trash.” New York Times, 28 Oct. 2022. (Alternate site: https://eng100kcc.wordpress.com/2022/10/28/nyt-many-military-u-f-o-reports-are-just-foreign-spying-or-airborne-trash/)
“Declassified ‘UFO’ Videos.” YouTube, uploaded by ABC News, 28 Apr. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/yd3lzs3a.
“UFO: Pentagon Releases Three Leaked Videos – Is the Truth Finally Out There?” YouTube, uploaded by Sky News, 28 Apr. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/y552s6su.
“Brad Meltzer’s Decoded: Proof of UFOs Revealed (S2, E7).” YouTube, uploaded by History Channel, 17 July 2020, https://tinyurl.com/y556cudy.
Yuhas, Alan. “The Pentagon Released U.F.O. Videos: Don’t Hold Your Breath for a Breakthrough.” NY Times, 28 Apr. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/ybmrvftm.
Cooper, Helene, Ralph Blumenthal and Leslie Kean. “‘Wow, What Is That?’ Navy Pilots Report 
Unexplained Flying Objects.” NY Times, 26 May 2019, https://tinyurl.com/y2vz4jq4.
Speigel, Lee. “Denver UFOs Mystify Local Media and Aviation Expert Steve Cowell (VIDEO).” Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, 11 Nov. 2012. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.
Speigel, Lee. “History Channel Puts the Strongest UFO Evidence Under the Microscope.” Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, 24 Aug. 2011. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.
“UFOs ‘On the Record’: Original Drawings from Eyewitness Accounts (PHOTOS).” Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, 14 Sep. 2010. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.
“UFOs ‘On the Record’: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Talk About What They Know (PHOTOS).” Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, 23 Aug. 2010. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

Refer to the attached document, ensure you have access to the texts, if not I can provide 
them for you, do not use any sources that are not scholarly or peer reviewed and do not use chatgpt as it gives incorrect information 
Use Times New Roman 12-pt. font, and 1”/2.54cm margins, double-spaced (10 full
pages of analysis).
• Cite the play with act/scene/line numbers in parentheses (1.3.5-7), or just scene/line
number (1.4-7) if the play is not divided into acts.
• Please include a “Works Cited” note with proper bibliographical citation and an
“Acknowledgements” note for outside assistance with your thinking.
do not simply produce a “contrast and compare” paper that shows differences and
similarities, but keep pushing toward a claim about the significance of these different examples.
What do we learn from putting two plays together that would be impossible to perceive by
looking at just one?
* Be sure the bulk of your textual work derives from the primary sources: the plays. Be careful to
ensure that your secondary or critical texts are from reputable scholarly sources if you want to do research beyond the texts we read in the course.
Be sure, however, that you are not simply summarizing the arguments of other work: you need
an original claim that cannot simply be answered by work that is already written. 

In this essay, you will analyze a text that shaped your perception of something, and then compare the text to your actual experiences. This assignment is a researched personal narrative. That means it’s about you and your experiences, but you will use research to provide context. You’ll begin by picking a text of your choice (TV show, movie, book, album, social media account) that shaped your perception of something. You will summarize and contextualize the text, then examine how it presents something, and finally how that text shapes your perception of that thing. Ultimately, you’ll compare the text to your actual experiences and draw conclusions. 
What is something? Think about “The Danger of a Single Story” and the different texts that shaped Adichie’s perception of identity, race, literature, and place. Adichie specifically mentions how the coverage of immigration in the United States influenced her perception of Mexicans. Then, she discusses what she discovered when she traveled to Guadalajara. What is your version of this story? 

Once you have chosen a reading for your summary/response essay. You will write an outline. Use the example that is attached

Say No to
Drugs: Protecting the Integrity of Sports
Ever
since competitive sports was created, athletes were always looking for ways to
gain an advantage over their opponent. There has Although there has been constant
testing and regulations put into place, it seems as if the use of steroids is
only becoming more prominent. While there is ongoing discussion about the
legalization of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), sports integrity needs to
be upheld. The use of performance enhancing drugs has become out of control,
reaching to levels as low as middle school athletes. There should be zero-tolerance
for any type of steroid in all professional sports. PEDs should be banned to
ensure fairness, athlete safety, and ethicality within the world of sports. 

Write an annotated bibliography of 10 sources you are considering using in your Research Paper. [Note: you may or may not actually end up using all of these sources in your final Research Paper].
Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate MLA style.
For each source, write: 1) a concise annotation (between 100-200 words) that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. 2) Include a few sentences that (a) evaluate the source (between 100-200 words). 3) Include a few sentences (between 100-200 words) that reflect or explain how this work illuminates your topic (do you think that you will use this source in you final paper? How does it compare to some of your other sources?).
Use the subtitles Summary, Evaluation and Reflection and follow standard MLA formatting: 12 point Times or similar font, 1″ margins, and double spaced lines. Make sure your annotations include the requirements listed below.
Annotations shorter than the minimum will receive a lower grade. Bibliographies with less than 10 sources will not be accepted and will not receive credit for the assignment.
Do not use first (I, we, my, our, etc.) or second person in the Summary and Evaluation sections. You can use first person but only in the Reflection. 
Can you use the source I send you? 

I need to write a finalized research paper from the rough draft that I was just graded on. Miinstructor gave me helpful tips and feedback that I would like to incoporate in the final revision

we will be writing a visual analysis essay.  Base on Seniors are becoming COVID-19 collateral damage.  They’re dying because of it, not of it.” USA Today. 15 June 2020. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/06/15/coronavirus-dangerous-for-uninfected-elderly-column/5322589002/ 5 November 2020.
Consider the following elements of your image: 
The rhetorical situation of the image, including the author, audience, purpose, context, tone, genre, design, constraints, and exigence
The rhetorical strategies, or how the image is composed to produce a specific effect (use of color, layout, contrast, etc.)
The rhetorical appeals (ethos/pathos/logos), or ways the image seeks to engage its audience  
Compose a thesis that argues your interpretation (i.e. a particular way of viewing the image) based on the choices made in its construction. See the Introduction to Visual Analysis page and PowerPoint posted in the current module.
Support your thesis by describing and analyzing various elements of your image (see #2 above) that support your overall argument about the image.
Explain how your analysis of the image relates back to the article from which the image originated. Does the article reinforce your view, challenge, or contradict it? (There’s no right or wrong answer here; just your ability to evaluate). You’ll need to quote and/or paraphrase from the article in cite it in your essay.
Conclude by reinforcing the key points and highlighting why the conversation is important to your audience. 
Requirements
A thesis that argues for a specific interpretation of the image you selected
Several detailed supporting examples from the image that explain the rhetorical appeals at work
A clear connection between your way of viewing this image and its context
An explanation of how or if your interpretation of the image fits its companion article’s use or interpretation. This will require quoting and/or paraphrasing from the article to substantiate your claim.
The only sources used in this essay should be your approved image and the article from which it originated.
A coherent organizational structure that supports your thesis (with introduction and conclusion)
A strong sense of audience
MLA documentation for all sources (including the image) through in-text citation and a Works Cited page 
Meticulous proofreading and proper MLA formatting

Overview
At this point you should have selected one of the social issues presented in weeks 2-4 (language and power; freedom and security; health and wealth) as the focus of your Case Study Project. For this assignment, you will begin to gather evidence from the course readings related to your chosen social issue. You will use this textual evidence to support your claims in your Case Study Project.
Grading
This assignment is worth 200 points (20%) of your final course grade.
Earning the maximum possible score on this assignment will require students to:
Step 1: complete all assigned components and answer reflection questions in the initial submission (earning up to 85% of the possible points)
Step 2: revise and resubmit the assignment and complete revision reflection questions (earning up to 15% of the possible points)
To see required components and associated points in the assignment rubric, please view this assignment through the Assignments area of the classroom and scroll to the bottom.
Due Dates
The deadline for initial submission of this assignment is the end of Week 5 (Tuesday, 11:59 PM Eastern). The revision and revision reflection will be due seven days after receiving feedback on your initial submission or as specified by your instructor.
Connection to other Course Assignments
This quote log will assist you in identifying details, examples, and information from the reading selections to develop and support your assertions in your case study project.
This quote log will also help you to clarify and articulate the connection between the quote, your selected social issue, and your perspective on the issue.
Moreover, this quote log will help you to effectively incorporate textual evidence in your case study project.
Step 1: Initial Submission (earn up to 85% of the possible points for the assignment)
Your initial submission should include all of the following components:
Content
Review the course readings related to your selected social issue, select 4-6 key quotes from the reading selections, and complete the following for each:
Give the bibliographic information for the reading selection source in APA format. This can be copied and pasted from the class week where the reading is introduced.
Give the exact quote and page number (or paragraph number, if the source has no page numbers)
Paraphrase the quote and provide an in-text citation.
Explain why you selected the quote and how the quote relates to your selected social issue and your perspective on the issue
Organization
Indicate your topic, thesis, and reasons
Give 4-6 quote log “entries” where you provide the required information (see above under content)
Review the sample quote log below.
Language Choices
As a writer, you are free to decide how you use language, keeping the following in mind:
style: your language choices should result in a consistent writing style that is purposeful and aligned with your goals
readability: your language choices should ensure that your ideas are clear and easy to follow
When composing your paper, think about the conventions for academic writing, including:
punctuation: this includes things such as recommended use of commas, colons, and apostrophes.
word-level accuracy: this includes things such as capitalization, spelling, word-tense, and usage.
sentence-level accuracy: this includes things such as sentence boundaries, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Take time to review your language choices after you’ve written your essay. Think about your goals for the style of this essay and your own writing habits (like using “text-speak,” omitting capitalization, or writing sentence fragments). Revise as necessary to accomplish your style and readability goals.
Reading your paper aloud is helpful technique when reviewing your language choices for style and readability.
Sources and Documentation
You are required to use three sources for this assignment. Your sources should be selected from the assigned course readings on your selected issue (language and power; freedom and security; health and wealth).
For each source, you should include APA-style reference citations and in-text citations
Format and Length
At the top of the page, include your name, the assignment name, and a title that reflects your chosen social issue. (See example below.) Your quote log should be typed, double-spaced and in 12-point font.
Your final product should include log entries for 4-6 quotes. Each entry should be about 150 words in length, for a total of 600-900 words.
Sample Header and Title for Assignment Submissions
Kim Lee (student’s name)
Quote Log (assignment name)
Social Issue: Education and Empowerment (title)
Reflection Questions
The reflection questions are to be answered separately. (They are not part of the quote log.) Post these in the “comments” box when submitting your assignment. You can number your answers or write the in paragraph form. Be sure to address all four questions.
Aside from simply meeting the requirements, what were your personal goals for this assignment?
When reviewing your language choices, did you struggle with comma usage? What comma rule(s) discussed in the Grammar Lab typically challenge you? What parts of your work on this assignment are you most proud of?
What challenged you in this assignment and/or where do you need additional support from your instructor?
Step 2: Revise and Resubmit (earn up to 15% of the possible points for the assignment)
Students who want to earn the up to the maximum possible score can choose to complete the following revision and revision reflection components of the assignment.
Revise and resubmit your assignment based on feedback from your instructor, your peers, and/or your own writing goals. In your revision, track the changes from your first draft so that your instructor can easily identify where you made revisions.
Use strikethrough to indicate areas that should be deleted.
Use bold-face to indicate areas where you are adding content.
Complete a revision reflection. The reflection questions are to be answered separately and posted in the “comments” box when submitting your revised assignment. You can number your answers or write the in paragraph form. Be sure to address all three questions.
Which areas of feedback did you choose to address in your revised version and why?
How did you address this feedback in your revised version? Which areas of feedback did you choose not to address in your revised version and why?
Sample Quote Log (first entry only is shown)
Name
Quote Log
Social Issue: Education and Empowerment
Topic:
Education and Empowerment
Thesis:
Contrary to popular opinion, education does not always lead to empowerment.
Reasons: (1) Everyone does not have access to a quality education.
(2) Even with a quality education, lucrative employment opportunities are not guaranteed.
(3) Educated individuals may still face discrimination and other inequities that limit opportunities for success.
Entry #1
Source: Anyon, J. (2016). Social class and the hidden curriculum of work. In G. Columbo (Ed.), Rereading America: Cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing (10th ed.) (pp. 136-153). Bedford St. Martin’s.
Quote:
“Basil Bernstein, Pierre Bourdieu, and Michael W. Apple, focusing on school knowledge, have argued that knowledge and skills leading to social power and regard (medical, legal, managerial) are made available to the advantaged social groups but are withheld from the working classes, to whom a more ‘practical curriculum’ is offered (manual skills, clerical knowledge) ” (Anyon, 2016, p. 137).
Paraphrase:
Several researchers have pointed out that schools provide upper class students with the knowledge and skills needed for prestigious occupations. Such knowledge and skills are not given to students in the working class. Working class students are only provided with knowledge and skills for manual and clerical jobs (Anyon, 2016).
Explanation of quote selection and connection:
I selected this quote because it illustrates the difference in the quality of education students from various social class backgrounds receive. In order to get a high quality education that leads to well-paying jobs, you have to be a student from an upper class family. Without access to a quality education, it is impossible to have opportunities for success. Education will only empower those students who are lucky enough to receive a quality education.