My Example for
Generating Ideas
for Our Argument
Critique Essay Assignment
Part #1 of Our Essay
THESIS
Question: "Is
Patricia Williams' essay, "Hate Radio," an example of a "good" (strong, well-written,
effective)
argument?"
Position: Yes,
I believe that her essay is an example of a strong argument.
ONE REASON / MAIN IDEA
Question: "Why?"
Answer: . . .
because . . . she includes strong evidence to support her
main ideas.
EVIDENCE / SUPPORT FOR THAT MAIN IDEA
Question: "What are some
examples of her strong evidence?"
Answers:
- She gives historical
examples (par. 9) to support her idea that radio does have "power."
- She gives personal
experience (par. 21) to support her idea that "hate radio" has influences on
men who then view women as sex objects.
- She refers to outside
sources / expert opinions (pars. 24 and 25) to support her idea that
radio can inflame racial prejudices as well as squash possible uprisings.
Note: She presents both sides of the issue here.
COMMENTARY / EXPLANATION /
RESPONSE TO OPPOSITION
Question: "So what?" . . . or .
. . "How or why is all of this important?" . . . or . . . "Could someone see
this point differently?"
Answers:
- Strong evidence indicates thorough
research.
- Strong evidence enhances her
credibility.
- A variety of types of evidence is
more convincing than only having one kind of evidence.
- A variety of timeliness of
evidence shows that the issue is significant over time.
- For those who do not see her
evidence as strong, I would counter (concede, offer, etc.) that . . .
Part #2 of Our Essay
THESIS
Question: "Do I agree with
Williams' views of 'hate radio'?"
Answer: Yes, I do agree
that hate radio exerts powerful and negative influences on our society.
REASONS / MAIN IDEAS
Question: "Why?"
Answer: . . .
because . . . hate radio is particularly damaging in situations of
-
sex exploitation
-
racial discrimination
-
ADD!
EVIDENCE / SUPPORT
Question: "What are some
examples of sex exploitation and racial discrimination?"
Answers:
- Howard Stern
continually hosts talk shows which feature explicit discussions of female
anatomy and sex acts between
him and women (strippers, porn stars, etc.) who are guests on his show--and even
with his producers and other staff members.
- Furthermore, Howard Stern's talk show which airs on TV as well sends visual messages
about sex which
are also damaging to society.
- Rush Limbaugh, just
recently (dated?), made some racial remark about an NFL quarterback (find name, team,
quote, etc.). This lead to numerous discussions in newspapers, on ESPN,
etc. and resulted in Limbaugh being fired from some position (find info).
- There was another more recent case
about another radio host (find name, station, quote, etc.) who also made
disparaging racial remarks; this resulted in him being fired (or did he
resign?).
COMMENTARY / EXPLANATION /
RESPONSE TO OPPOSITION
Question: "So what?" . . . or .
. . "How or why is all of this important?" . . . or . . . "Could someone see
this point differently?"
Answers:
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