Assignments: Unit 6 (Bassham Chapter 8)

Argument Outlining (cont.) / Argument Evaluation / TheCritical Essay

I. Outlining an Argumentative Essay in ESF

Prepare an Enhanced Standard Form outline of (the line of argument in) the essay on "Why Parents Shouldn't Teach Their Kids to Believe in Santa Claus" (Bassham, Appendix A, Essay no. 5) This essay is relatively straightforward. (Please look carefully at Section A of the unit Guideand the tutorial ESF III - Outlining Argumentative Essaysposted in Unit 4before tackling this.)

II. Exercise 8.1 (p. 200):

1. Your astrological sign determines some of your basic personality.

3. The Loch Ness monster really exists.

5. Extraterrestrials have visited the earth in some form.

II. Exercise 8.2.-II (p. 202-3):(Don't forget the criteria, too!)

II. For each of the following unsupported claims, indicate whether or not it would be reasonable to accept the claim. Also state the criteria you use in reaching your decision.

2. There are wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

4. Ninety-eight percent of statistics are just made up.

6. The closest star to the earth, other than the sun, is Proxima Centauri. (said by your astronomy instructor)

8. There is no hard scienti? c evidence that smoking is addictive. (said by a tobacco company executive)

11. Analgex brand aspirin: Nothing works stronger or faster on your tough headaches. (said by a paid sports celebrity)

14. Did you know that gun control laws actually increase the violent crime rate? (statement on anti-gun control Web page)

III. Exercise 8.3- I (p. 208):

I. In small groups, reduce the following claims to absurdity. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

2. All generalizations are false.

5. This ball is both red all over and blue all over.

8. Joseph went back in time and accidentally killed his own grandfather.

IV. Exercise 8.3- II (p. 208):

II. In small groups, refute the following statements by citing one or more counter examples. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

2. It's always wrong to break a promise.

3. No student should ever have his or her cell phone on in class.

6. The United States consistently favors democratic rule and has never supported corrupt authoritarian regimes.

V. Exercise 8.3- III (p. 208):

III. In small groups, refute, if possible, the following arguments by citing omitted countervailing evidence. If you think the argument is strong and can't be refuted, cite omitted countervailing evidence that weakens the argument. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.

2. My buddy keeps telling me I should save for retirement, but I tell him, " Look: I'm overweight. I smoke. Neither of my parents lived past sixty-? ve. Honestly, I'd rather enjoy my money now than save it for a nursing home I'll never need."

5. Tanning booths are great. They're available day or night and at any season of the year. You don't have to worry about getting burned, and you can get a great, even tan quick .

8. Don't marry career women. Research shows that women tend to be happier when their husband is the primary breadwinner. It also shows that career women are more likely to cheat, more likely to get divorced, less likely to have kids, and more likely to be unhappy if they do have kids.