2. Agenda
1. Review
1. Describing the problem
2. The solution: the thesis
3. Outlining the plan
2. Planning for objections: the counterargument
3. Evaluating Alternative Solutions
4. Research?
1. Investigate
2. Interview
3. Read
4. Anticipate Objections.
Write a few sentences responding to the following objections you
think are most likely:
We can’t afford it.
It would take too long.
People would not do it.
Too few would benefit.
You would benefit personally.
We already tried that, with unsatisfactory results.
5. Consider Alternative Solutions
This requires thinking! Remember, ultimately, you are going to show why your
solution is better than these alternatives!
6. Considering Alternative Solutions
List two or three alternative solutions that others have proposed
or tried. You may have discovered these alternatives during
interviews or in your library research. You do not have to list every
solution that has been mentioned, but you should include the
most popular or serious alternatives. If you include only obviously
weak solutions in your argument, your credibility will be harmed
and you could be accused of committing the straw man
fallacy, which involves directing your counterargument against an
alternative that nobody takes seriously anyway.
7. Developing your evaluation of
alternative solutions
Write a paragraph for each alternative solution you think you should include
in your argument. Describe the alternative solution fairly, quoting supporters if
possible. Then work out the reasons you believe the alternative solution
would not be feasible,
would not solve the problem,
would not be approved,
would be hard to implement, or
would be too costly, disruptive, or time-consuming to put into effect.
8. Plan Follow-Up Research.
Add notes about the kinds of information
you think would help make your
counterargument convincing for your
readers and where you think you can find
this information.
9. Homework
Write: Post #43: post your writing in response to slides
four, seven, and eight. Be thorough. This will be part of your final
essay
Bring all of your posts for essay #4 or your computer. Your phone will not
do for the purposes of the work we will do in class
