see cta page 21 “ testimony W r i t i n g

Basic Requirements:

• Final submission due date: ­­­______________
• Value: 100 points
• Format: MLA (see manuscript requirements on Canvas or OWL at Purdue)
• Minimum Required Length: 4-5 MLA formatted pages
• Include an MLA formatted list of works cited for all of the sources cited in your essay.

Reflection (Brainstorm in preparation of forming your essay’s exigence: issue and its importance):

In Essay 1, you explore various definitions for the good life in what should have concluded with your thesis. That was using inductive reasoning. You also used stipulative and ostensive definitions.

In Essay 2, you assert your definition of the good life. This is using deduction.

In Essay 3, you explore what conditions need to be present to manifest the good life. A causal relationship can be complicated and requires careful critical thinking.

For Essay 4, you will explore what others would say about your definition and analysis of the good life. In particular, you should address the viewpoints of the opposition to you argument. Structure the paper with the Rogerian approach.

After reading Chapter 10 on the Rogerian approach of argumentation, carefully anticipate credible opposing viewpoints from the hostile reader. Consider what merits their viewpoints may have. Be careful to use reasonable and compassionate language, as open communication is crucial with the Rogerian approach. Keep in mind that your goal is to find a common ground. I have always considered that the Rogerian approach is the most challenging but effective form of argument for finding solutions not just disagreements.

For extra help, see CTA page 21 “Testimony: What are the major opinions and forms of evidence?”

Directions:

1. State the problem. Explain that there are viewpoints that conflict with your argument of the good life—what it is, what it does and does not encompass, and what components cause it to be achieved.
2. Thoughtfully explain the oppositions’ viewpoints. (Note: you can present just one or more than one opposing viewpoint.)
3. Grant merits to any validity in those opposing viewpoints. Regard the opposition are people of opposing viewpoints but are of goodwill.
4. Find a common ground. Attempt to show how the opposition could benefit by joining their valid points with your valid points to find a compromise or at least an understanding.
5. Use other evidence: As well as your own reasoning, examples, and analyses, support the opposing viewpoints and your compromise with evidence (facts, statistics, experts’ opinions, and empirical experiences) from your own 2-3 found sources. You can also use any class readings or other sources that I provide.

Found Sources

Conduct research through the library’s databases or credible Web sites to find two or three new articles from Essays 1 and 2 with relevant data. Also, consider conducting your own field research with an interview or a survey (which is also extra credit).

Maintain your authority! Begin the paragraphs with your own assertions. Develop your own reasoning and your own examples for why these are valid points. Create original specific examples, not just from the outside sources. However, also integrate the evidence from the sources into your discussion to back up your already asserted and established ideas. Then analyze any data and examples to connect back to your point. (AREA)

Cite your sources in your essay and develop a works cited page at the end of your paper using MLA source documentation format. Use formal TAGs and provide author credentials for each source. Accuracy is crucial.

Build a logically progressive discussion of your hypothesis and conclusive thesis in consideration of your target audience and intended purpose. Use an effective tone by considering your audience’s sensibilities and concerns and the purpose for why you are asserting your main point (thesis). Your tone is created by what you say and how you say it.

Consider your tone: use an objective tone; write for the public not for yourself. Also, avoid using second person, first person plural, slang and colloquial expressions, contractions, and flat words so that your ideas are clear and understandable. Rely on your knowledge of vocabulary, and use a thesaurus to exercise definitions to fit the exact ideas that you try to convey.