Further considerations for your argument essay

Aim: How do we introduce and outline our argument essay?

Quick Write:  Should Ethan Couch have gotten jail time? Why do you think this topic is important?

Although the question for your argument essay might seem simple, it is not. This has nothing to do with the facts and evidence in the news story beyond whether you think Ethan Couch should have gone to jail or not. You should support your opinion on this question with scientific facts, evidence, and studies about the teenage brain that you learned from the articles and video we discussed in class and any other research you have conducted independently.

We've read a couple good examples of argument essays. "A Brain Too Young for Good Judgement" offers the perfect model. It gives just enough context (background information) on the legal case so that we can form opinions. Then it goes on to support the claim that the shooter was too young to exercise good judgment, using scientific facts and evidence. It also dismisses a very subtle counterclaim in the concluding paragraph. Can you find it?

You might use this model for your intro if you are stuck.

Four innocent people in Texas are dead as the result of a drunken joy-ride, but the 16-year old driver behind the wheel of the car will not serve one single day in jail. People may be outraged that Ethan Couch's attorneys successfully argued that he was the victim of his family's wealth because he was raised in an environment too rich to be bothered with teaching him the consequences of reckless actions. Still, rich or poor, the teenage brain is different from the adult brain. Whether it's different enough to avoid jail time for such a horrendous action is another question. Based on what I've learned from my readings and research, I believe Ethan Couch (should have/ should not have) received jail time for the killings.

Use this interactive persuasion map to help you complete your outline. It's also a page on this blog. Note: The persuasion map does not provide an option for counterclaims. You'll have to add that paragraph yourself.

Guidelines

Write a short (750 words) essay in which you:

•  Explain what's at stake. Why is this question important? (Today's Quick Write)
•  Develop and state your own position.
•  Defend your position with a range of different types of evidence, facts, and information from the    articles and video we discussed in class.
•  Include any other research that you may have conducted independently.
•  ADDRESS AND RESPOND TO COUNTERCLAIMS TO YOUR POSITION.
•  Draw your own conclusions.

Here is the rubric by which it will be graded. You will be expected to complete final drafts, including peer editing, by Friday. The essay should be uploaded to Google Drive and linked to your blog. Essays also should be emailed to msbecker4@gmail.com