#8 Argument

Seventh Level Skill Strand: Expository

It will take you six days to learn to:

1.Establish a position on a local controversial issue

2.Interview local experts on an issue

3.Find support in the library for a position on an issue

4.Use quotations from experts to support your position

5.Write an argumentative exposition supporting your position

For the rest of your life people will expect you to support the positions you hold with evidence and not just with your prejudices. If you tell others that you believe something, they will expect you to quote authorities on the subject. Authorities are people who are recognized by reputation or position as knowing more than the rest of us and are respected for their knowledge.

Authorities hold positions or have jobs such as: the president's National Security Advisor, the Surgeon General, the president of General Motors, the high school principal, the president of the local board of education or the leader of a church. The editors and editorial writers of major magazines and newspapers are also considered authorities and can be used to support your position.

Day One: