Starting Points: Finding Common Ground

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An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions

How do I come up with an issue to write about?

  • Consider possible topics. (pp. 189, 195)
  • Choose opposing argument essays to write about. (pp. 198–99)
  • Test Your Choice (p. 201)

How can I interest my readers in the issue?

  • Determine the writer’s purpose and audience. (p. 175)
  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An informative introduction to the issue and opposing positions. (pp. 175–76)
  • An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions: Providing Background Information (p. 188)
  • An Informative Introduction to the Issue and Opposing Positions: Placing the Issue in a Historical Context (p. 194)
  • Think about your readers. (pp. 201–2)
  • Research the issue. (p. 202)
  • Write the opening sentences. (pp. 206–7)

How can I give readers an overview of the debate?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An informative introduction to the issue and opposing positions. (pp. 175–76)
  • Research the issue. (p. 202)
  • Present the issue to your readers. (p. 202)
Table 5.6: STARTING POINTS: FINDING COMMON GROUND
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A Probing Analysis

How do I identify the areas of disagreement and possible areas of common ground?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A probing analysis. (pp. 176–77)
  • A Probing Analysis: Exploring Points of Possible Agreement (p. 188)
  • A Probing Analysis: Exploring Moral Arguments (p. 194)
  • Analyze the opposing argument essays. (pp. 199–201)
  • Develop your analysis (pp. 202–3)
  • Test Your Analysis (p. 203)
  • Formulate a working thesis statement. (pp. 203–4)
A Fair and Impartial Presentation

How do I avoid entering the debate myself?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A fair and impartial presentation. (p. 177)
  • A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Choice of Verbs (pp. 188–89)
  • A Fair and Impartial Presentation: Using Authorities (p. 195)
  • Consider your tone. (p. 204)
  • Weave quoted material into your own sentences. (pp. 204–5)
A Clear, Logical Organization

How can I make my essay clear?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization. (pp. 177–78)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Transitions (p. 189)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Visuals (p. 195)
  • Create an outline that will organize your analysis effectively for your readers. (pp. 205–6)