Are supporting arguments logical, clear, and convincing?.
Are opposing arguments dealt with?.
Given the supporting arguments, is the conclusion valid?.
ACADEMIC WRITING.
Essay of Argumentation.
Student writer Jennifer Nanna's essay presents a well-organized argument about the U.S. government's decision to intervene in the Persian Gulf Crisis in 1990. (This model first appeared in Moments [1991], a collection of student writing from Badger High School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) Note: This essay was written before Desert Storm.
* The writer clearly states her position. Price of War.
Throughout history, disease, poverty, crime, and war have plagued Americans. For the most part, these ills of society are difficult to control. Regardless of the precautions Americans take to rid themselves of these misfortunes, they affect (excluding was) every town in every part of America. One of the more serious conflicts that Americans have faced is war. Recently, for example, when Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the United States was faced with the choice to ignore it or intervene. On August 3, the United States choose to intervene in the Persian Gulf Crisis. However, it is in the United States" best interest to take a defensive position and avoid an all-out war with Iraq.
* Arguments opposing this position are addressed early. Although America's reputation would be enhanced as a world power if the Untied States won the war against Iraq, it is not certain by any means that this would actually happen. Iraq has one of the largest armies in the world, numbering over one million soldiers. This compares with the 400,000 U.S. servicemen in the gulf.
* A strong pro argument (the killing) is introduced here. While it may seem that the Iraqi soldiers are tired after fighting Iran for nine years, the truth is that this lengthy war hardened many boys into seasoned soldiers. Also, the Arab nations view death differently than Americans.
