James Miller
English 1121: 15
(Note: this heading information is only used for the preliminary assignment)

I. Thesis: We should legalize marijuana nationwide for medicinal purposes only.

II. Overview (using a version of the Classical argument)

    A. Anecdote about cancer victim unable to relieve pain

    B. Explanation of what I mean by "medicinal" qualifications

    C. Research from doctors and case studies that show results

        1. Case from terminally ill cancer patient in chemo (pain)
        2. Case from another cancer patient in chemo (hunger)
        3. Case from glaucoma patient (pressure)

    D. Concession about why complete legalization will not work

    E. Explain why complete ban does not work

    F. One last example with a call to have audience write their legislators

III. Audience: I am targeting Americans who have not studied the issue, but believe generally that marijuana is a gateway drug that will lead any user to more dangerous drugs, and also believe that the current drug laws are working fine. This audience has some knowledge about the use and regulation of marijuana. They have likely not tried marijuana themselves, but rather think of the drug as dangerous from having heard stories from the media and personal anecdotes about its effects.