Monday, March 31, 2014
Argument-Driven Paper
Directions: Write 200 words on how you believe you will use the main ideas in your essay (the thesis and your beliefs that drive that argument) to create unity in your paper. Think about how your beliefs on any topic can drive an argument. If someone cuts you off in line, you either choose to say something, or you choose not to. You make that choice based on several beliefs about yourself and your nature, as well as the subsequent argument you might have with yourself. Ask yourself why you chose this topic, examine the fundamental nature of the argument and what might drive that argument, and then you might get your 200 word answer: what will make up the skeleton of this paper? Example: my argument is about bees and their slow erradication over the past decades. I mean to discuss the ecological reasons for their disappearance, as well as the man-made reasons. I believe that bees are important to the ecology of the world, and the very existence of bees is necessary for life to continue. I will use what I know to be true about bees as the foundation of my reasons and analysis, and my evidence will prove my belief about bees to be true. Due before class on Wednesday, April 2nd. Reply: Respond to a classmate's post that does not yet have a reply. Ask your classmate a question of clarification. Example: do you think there might be other reasons behind the disappearance of bees? Could they be devolving? Reply due by midnight, Friday, April 4th. Note: if you can, try to reply when you post.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
To gain a better understanding of the individuals that believe in conspiracy theories, we must look at the psychological aspects involved in conspiracy theories. Society today marks believers of conspiracy theories as mentally ill, the appeal and motivation toward conspiracy theories roots from cynicism, science and cognitive dissonance. Scientists believe that distrust and fear may be caused by a certain area of the brain acting in a fight or flight mode. Further research on the psychological aspects of conspiracy theories suggest the pre-frontal cortex and amygdala area of the brain naturally analyze every situation one is in and makes a decision to perceive the situation as a threat. When details are left, the brain actively try’s to reassess the information in an attempt to create a coherent and understandable narrative, to understand what just happened, what threat still exists and what should be done after. Studies suggest that the mind is naturally geared to search for answers and when dealing with conspiracy theories details are often left out. When details are left out, we naturally search for answers to make since of the situation. I choose this argument because I have always enjoyed exploring conspiracy theories. I do not believe in every conspiracy theory, but I find the many different conspiracies interesting. I enjoy thinking about how the believers of conspiracy theories come up with their stories and evidence. I have often wondered if the brain naturally produces answers in order to further explain situations that are unknown or if there was some other cause for belief in conspiracy theories.
ReplyDeleteWell put and very good questions that you brought up. It's a pretty controversial subject and am impressed that you're taking it on. I like the points you brought up about how society looks at conspiracy theorists.
DeleteI think that the point that I am trying to argue is one that needs to be brought back into the spotlight. I plan to pull my ideas together using statistics showing the number of juveniles that are incarcerated in traditional facilities, along with the effect that the traditional prison system has on them. In order to argue in favor of boot camps for juveniles, I need to show the negative outcome for juveniles that are remanded to other facilities and by doing so I have a better foundation for my research. I believe that if kids are a product of their community and have been exposed to criminal behavior causing them to go down that road, then if they are facing prison time, they should be given the opportunity to serve their time where they can receive educational and mental health benefits. The boot camp system is very limited and reserved for juveniles with lesser sentences, and despite the arguments, I've seen that they have made positive strides to keep juveniles from re-offending. It will take more studying on my part, but I really believe that if juveniles can be redirected, the juvenile corrections system play a crucial part in helping the juveniles create a better future for themselves.
ReplyDeleteWell written, I don't know if you are going to touch on what is wrong with the criminal justice system as a whole but it may help your essay by bringing up society's view of the child or children that were in these juvenile facilities and the perspective of society permanently labeling the child afterward. Great job
DeleteMy argument is that Introverts, although not the majority, have the leading advantage over extroverts in society because of the way their brain works, how they express themselves, and how their weaknesses and strengths differ from extroverts. I am going to explain how the left and right brain hemispheres work and also define the starting personality terms that eventually became the personality categories called introvert and extrovert. I will use the explanation of introverts and extroverts as support for my claim that introverts succeed in the long run. And I will then put that information into perspective of how introverts demonstrate a greater understanding for problems that most people or they themselves face. My belief is that no one is fully introvert or extrovert. I believe though, that the majority of our concepts and lifestyles depend heavily on extrovert influence, which does not allow us to open up to new and creative solutions or creations made by introverts. But it is also my understanding that introverts got to be willing first to accept who they are and step into the spotlight for themselves. I will use the research and facts I come up with as the main support to my argument.
ReplyDeleteI like what you have written your subject on the different sides of the brains is really interesting. Is the whole "the majority of our concepts and lifestyles depend heavily on extrovert influence" consisdered peer presure?
DeleteI know that some children when they were younger and left handed (right brained) were often made to become right handed (left brained) this could have possible influenced those that were introverts while younger to become extrovert later in life do to society's standards.
My argument is about the effects of using social media and its contribution to narcissism in society.I believe my sources as well as facts will help to prove my argument. I also believe that staying on topic and organizing the paragraphs will help. I will use facts from the authors of my sources in my paper to help to explain social media and narcissism. These sources will provide information on social media sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. I will also describe narcissism and its characteristics as well as how to recognize the disorder. In most of my paragraphs i will provide and example of how the use of Social Media has influence narcissism.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds to me like a clean, structured topic that you seem to have a nice backing for. Are there any sides that can may counter your argument, and if so, how can you further explain and ultimately counter the other side?
DeleteI am making the argument that mentally ill persons are being habitually mistreated by the prisons they are held in. The mentally ill people in the world have few places they can go for the help they need or even a rough over their heads. It is because of this that mentally unstable are being pushed off into the care of the justice system. However, the justice system and the prisons do not have the means to care for all the mentally ill criminals/ patients that pass through their doors. The prisons do not have the correct staff or the capacity or the money to support the psychologically ill. It is because of this handicapped system that the mentally ill are being mistreated. They are mistreated by the officers that simply think that they are misbehaving; mentally ill criminals are often punished and reprimanded for their mental uncertainties. Though the mentally ill are mistreated and not properly cared for in the justice system prisons there are some measures that are in place to help them. Such as the Ohio State prison that actually helps the mentally ill criminals they house by offering staff that is equipped in dealing with psychological problems and even a separate place the criminals can go to get even more help from doctors.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn my eyes, the public education system in the United States has gotten worse and worse over the decades. My argument is that children are better off either receiving their education at home or at through one of the many alternative education approaches that are available. Several studies all concur the same findings that homeschooled and alternatively educated students consistently and significantly outperform students from public education school systems. Hopefully, by dispelling some of the stigmas associated with alternative education and by revealing that these students are doing better in college and life afterwards I can help to persuade parents to free their children from the modern day torture racks that are called public schools (Yes, Ms. Taylor, I realize this is hyperbole), and enroll the children in an educational environment that is more conducive to that particular child. I think that this movement will in turn create a deeper, stronger, and more diverse foundation of information for all of humanity. I don’t think that people should be forced into cookie cutter educations. Not everyone needs to be able to understand high level mathematics or be able to write a fifty page dissertation. It is the diversity and use of our knowledge and reasoning that makes the human race unique among species on Earth.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think there are lower standars in classes due to less intelectual kids in schools? Should kids take placements tests to gauge the progression of the education throen at them?
DeleteMy arguments driving force is the evidence and studies given in the essay. The strength of the argument however, will come from people’s ability and drive to want to get healthy without drastically changing their diets and mildly working out. Nothing over their limits but enough to work up a sweat. My driving force behind this essay is the drastic upraise of diabetes, high cholesterol, and other ailments that have come to be in the recent decades. With evidence people could come to realize that these could be mitigated and or reversed on simple intake, what you eat, instead of pounding ones face with drugs that cause worse issues then you are trying to treat. It will also show how processed food sales has risen yet is the worst thing for humans to eat yet it is running off shelves. Health is for the most pat a thing of the past and needs to be resurrected. It is a hard thing to do, healthy food can be hard on ones pallet for taste.
ReplyDeleteHow much do you think an individual can lower such ailments like diabetes by just fasting?
DeleteMy argument is on the subject of how Hip-Hop consciousness, culture, products, and people were formed and how it has and still evolves, staying true to its own virtues/messages over all the years of its existence with careful consideration of antagonist perspectives. I believe Hip-Hop, based on personal experience and what I have learned in my research, is a universal culture with elements built on peace, unity, love, and having fun. It's also about using the resources one has in minimalist situations, environments, and mentalities. For example, breakdancing was created utilizing the body's full capabilities of expressing music and sounds through bboying, popping, locking, and through newer forms like contemporary, flexing, and krumping. Dance classes could not be afforded at the time by the kids in the Bronx. I also believe that Hip-Hop is all about progression and new ideas being formed in the elements themselves: technologies and sounds of a DJ and/or a producer, rhymes of emcees, moves of a breakdancer, maketing ideas of entrepreneurs, knowledge of self and the environment, noises of a beatboxer, fashions and language of the people, and the style of expression of a graffiti artist. With this, I can raise perspectives on how Hip-Hop's true essence is present, even in the commodified mainstream side that's commonly looked down upon by the culture. I chose this topic to raise this awareness to people who are interested in learning about Hip-Hop. In an even deeper perspective, I also want to raise awareness in the culture that Hip-Hop is alive in ways they haven't realized yet. Most of my information is backed by documentaries, news articles, interviews, scholarly journals, both official and scholarly websites, lyrics, and books. Adding in my personal experience of involvement and awareness in this culture will help with the rhetorical expression of this paper and its evidence.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you trying to convince people of? Hip Hop's history? That hip hop is still evolving? That hip hop is a positive influence for inner-city youth? It kinda sounds like you're all over the place.
DeleteI chose this topic for one reason and one reason alone! To slay two flying rodents with one stone! In all honesty, that was about it. I chose this topic because I really do not like to work harder than I need to. My father always told me as a child to, “Work smart, not hard,” and I am basically the personification of that saying. There was no “great cause” that drove me to choosing this topic. However, even though I never would have chosen this topic if given the opportunity to write something that would have interested me more, like let us say for example, Batman, the Yankees, or my personal hero Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I learned a lot from the Buddha and his teachings. No I am not a Buddhist. Hardly even close to being one, in fact. Yet, I have been enlightened myself about how we all can apply Buddhist thought to practically all parts of our life and our thinking. I think that is the best way that this paper can stick together. I could be wrong, but if my readers are not interested in learning that Buddhism is in fact a philosophy perhaps they can learn that they can use Buddhist thought, like The Middle Way, to apply to their own lives. All in all, this paper has been fun. However, making the due dates is less than fun. Not in the slightest. They are a pain.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
Sorry about posting this only . . . six minutes(!) before class. Internet has been down at the house.
That's a great quote you mention.As for your paper I think that because you are not emotionally attached to your subject, you are able to analyze your research in a far more fair and unbiased manner. My advice is to show the relevance of your topic to interest the readers who might not be as open as other readers who really love that lifestyle. Also could you maybe talk about the stereotypes that come with your subject? By doing so it could add some more interest to your paper or just some more soft support.
DeleteWith all that I have looked up, it'll be easy to link my thesis and beliefs to unify my paper all together. I chose this topic, well because I actually thought I'd only be doing this topic once and move onto another topic. I didn't know that the first topic we chose we had to stick with. I originally wanted my big paper to be on police brutality. But I'm glad I chose this topic. I learned a bit more than I would have had I just guessed on it, though I already did figure that issues with self image would arise in those who participate in pageants, but now I have people to back me up. It's also a good topic for others to learn about as well. Not a lot of people are going to delve deep into the pageant world and learn about it, so the fact that I have learned about a lot of issues means that I can educate them on the matter. I feel this topic should be recognized by others, especially those who have concerns regarding pageantry but aren't too into the idea of actually researching the topic themselves, which is why I decided to look it up.
ReplyDelete