Wizard Kim Homework

Unit 3: How Can I Persuade Others?

Deadlines:

June 9: Partial draft for conferences

June 12: Full length draft for peer review

June 16: Final draft due

Length: Between 500-800 words (not including annotations)

Value: 25% of final grade

ASSIGNMENT: Write an op-ed that presents a problem about college success to a specific audience and proposes a new perspective about that problem. According to the Harvard Kennedy School’s Communications Program, “An op-ed piece derives its name from originally having appeared opposite the editorial page in a newspaper. Today, the term is used more widely to represent a column that represents the strong, informed, and focused opinion of the writer on an issue of relevance to a targeted audience.” By turning your research process/project into an op-ed, you will be writing in a commonly read genre that can influence the world. Duke University’s Office of News and Communication argues for the importance of the op-ed: “If you can express [your opinion] clearly and persuasively in an op-ed article, you may reach millions of people, sway hearts, change minds and perhaps even reshape public policy.”

In arguing for your position in an op-ed, you’ll need to present your position clearly as a “lede” and support that lede using the tools of argument (e.g. appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as arguments from principle, consequences, and precedent). You will also need to address relevant counterarguments. Doing so not only strengthens your own argument, but also demonstrates that you are part of a truth-seeking debate community by recognizing the arguments of others.

ANNOTATIONS :

Using comment bubbles or footnotes, provide detailed annotations across your text that explain the following:

What sources have influenced your thinking
Where data or facts are coming from
If the sources aren’t listed in your Annotated Bibliography, fully cite the source within your comments or provide the hyperlink to the source in your note

GRADING CRITERIA:

-Does the op-ed present one clear claim (lede)?

-Does the op-ed support the argument with evidence, using specific details?

-Is the op-ed brief and to the point but still persuasive?

-Does the op-ed include evidence that clearly comes from the research conducted?

-Does the op-ed address relevant arguments?

-Is the structure (opening, middle, and closing) of the op-ed logical, engaging, and efficient?

-Does the op-ed use clear and understandable language?

FORMAT: All formal drafts should be typed, double-spaced documents, and all should be submitted to Turnitin.com.

By the end of this unit, you should be able to do the following:

Employ rhetorical appeals effectively to create presence for the problem;
Describe the problem in ways that appeal to the interests and values of the audience;
Write a well-designed argument justifying a workable solution or new position to the problem;
Address counterargument by discussing alternatives, rationale, and outcomes;
Use conventions of the op-ed genre to be persuasive to your specific audience;
Employ editing strategies appropriate to the audience and purpose.