Assignment 3

Do the following individual assignment in your blog.

The deadline is March 21.

Write an argumentative essay on the following subject:
"The X [free choice] deserves to be Christmas Gift of the Year 2010!"

Keep your essay very short, 400-600 words.

This time around, you will receive comments from me.

Argumentation

An argumentative text states a position on an issue. Basic features of argumentation:

1. An introduction that awakens interest.

2. A well-defined issue.

3. A clearly stated claim/position.

4. Arguments in favour of the claim, including support for the why and how of each argument.

5. A recognition of possible counterarguments.

6. And finally a dismissal of the counterarguments.

Argumentative texts should be clear, readable, convincing. Since they must attract the reader's interest, and at best convince her or him that the argument presented in the essay is valid, the audience factor becomes crucial.

For more information on argumentative writing, please refer to Academic Writing, Chapter 4 .