Overview
Your task will be to break down the author's argument, discuss how they support their views, explain whether or not you agree with them, and present your counter-argument to their ideas. Here's how:
1. Select one article that particularly resonates with you or sparks your interest. Clearly explain, in your own words, what argument you believe the author is trying to make. What are they trying to convince you of?
2. Once you've identified their main argument, find at least two reasons the author uses to back up their point of view. These are statements or pieces of evidence they're using to convince you to agree with their former argument.
3. After understanding their argument and how they support it, think about where you stand. Do you agree with the author's conclusion? Why, or why not? Dive deeper into your own beliefs and values to sufficiently explain your response.
4. Finally, challenge the author's argument. What is one strong argument that could be made against what they're saying? This doesn't have to come from another paper, but simply an idea or point you think effectively challenges the author’s reasoning. Consider holes within the author's argument that they may not have addressed, or bring up a different perspective that directly opposes the author's viewpoint.
It's important that you lay out and explain your thinking in each of these steps. This shouldn't be just a summary of the article, but a critical analysis where you delve deeper into understanding the author's arguments and form your perspective in response.
- This is not a formal essay. Do not waste time writing an introduction and conclusion. Simply write the paper as if you were answering each number above in order.