Comparing, Contrasting, and Evaluating a Pair of Arguments

Writing Assignment:

For this essay, you will evaluate two paired argumentative essays on a contemporary controversial issue, using the strategy of comparison-and-contrast, to determine which essay is more “persuasive.”  In other words, your own essay should answer the question: “Which essay makes the better argument?”  (Or, “which essay is more convincing or well written?”)  And, this does not mean, “With which essay do you agree more?”  Your own essay should offer an argument about the two argumentative essays you are evaluating; your opinion on the controversial issue they are writing about is not relevant and should not be included in your essay!

Choose one of the following pairs of essays to evaluate:

• Edward Abbey, "The Right to Arms"
• Adam Smith, "Fifty Million Handguns"
   
• Linda Chavez, "Demystifying Multiculturalism"
• Henry Louis Gates, Jr., "The Debate Has Been Miscast From the Start"
   
• RoseMarie Gionta Alfieri, “Should the State Know Your HIV Status?”
• Amitai Etzioni, “HIV Sufferers Have a Responsibility”

A Basic Process:

• Read the essays you have chosen to work with several times, deciding which essay is the more convincing, the more persuasive, the more well written.
• Write brief summaries of each essay – one paragraph or less.
• Write a working thesis statement which expresses which essay you found more persuasive.
• Create a list of reasons why you found one essay more convincing or a better argument than the other—e.g. “. . . because Smith’s personal credibility is better than Abbey’s.”
• Take these initial parts and use them to compose a persuasive essay of your own.

Gathering Ideas:

In addition to considering common writing strategies such as the way the writers introduce, structure, and conclude their arguments, be sure to consider the following questions specific to arguments:

• Which essay more clearly states its position on the controversial issue?
• Which essay more effectively attempts to build common ground with its readers?
• Which essay has stronger, more persuasive evidence and clear explanations (logos)?
• Which essay has stronger, more effective emotional appeals (pathos)?
• Which essay has stronger, more effective ethical appeals (ethos)?

A Basic Structure for Your Essay:

1.) Title:

• Indicates what your essay is about
• Should not include the titles of either essay you are evaluating

2.) Introduction:

• Captures the reader’s interest
• Provides necessary background information
• States your thesis

3.) Body (should include the following elements):

• Brief summaries of both essays (no more than a paragraph for each)
• Cite the reasons why you found one essay more convincing than the other
• Limit your argument to three, four, or five main points
• Aim at about one paragraph for each reason (or one paragraph per essay for each reason)
• Develop each point fully—use direct quotations and/or paraphrases from the essays to add weight to your reasoning and to show what you mean

4.) Conclusion:

• Draw the various parts together and restate your thesis
• Perhaps offer a brief, personal comment on this controversial issue (perhaps how you responded personally to the essays)

Formatting Requirements:

The final draft of your essay should be at least three (3) pages long but no longer than five (5) pages – double-spaced and word-processed – with 1.0”-1.25” margins, and a 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman).  No title page is needed; put your name, the course, my name, and the date in the upper left-hand corner of the first page (see our handbook for MLA style).  You will need to include a works cited page along with your essay.

Evaluation:

Your essay will be evaluated through a consideration of the following questions:

• Does the essay clearly identify the authors and titles of the works being evaluated?
• Does the essay effectively introduce the evaluation?
• Does the essay include a clear thesis that presents an opinion about the essays being evaluated?
• Does the essay have clear statements of its main ideas?
• Are the main ideas developed clearly and fully with references to – summaries, paraphrases, and quotations from – the essays being evaluated?
• Are the main points organized in a logical way?
• Is the essay coherent – i.e. does it flow well, are the transitions clear and appropriate?
• Does the essay end in a strong and satisfactory way?
• Is the essay “correct” in terms of its usage of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics?