Prewriting: Issue Analysis
Now that you have your sources (hopefully useful ones), start gathering quotes and pertinent information that you can use in your essay. Highlighting, underlining, and/or copy/paste are great ways to do this.
Divide information and quotes into three main categories:
Presenting the issue (this needs to be done in a neutral way, simply introducing the issue over all)
Focusing on one side of the issue (make a note about which side it connects to)
People/Groups/Organizations on each side of the issue (bonus if it discusses identity issues!)
This is also a great time to identify what you know and what you still need more information for (Copy/Paste this list into a document on your computer so you can fill it out)
Introducing the issue:
First side of the issue (what is it? what are the basics we need to know?):
Arguments for this side:
How those arguments are supported:
People/Groups/Organizations on this side of the issue:
Identity issues involved:
Second side of the issue (what is it? what are the basics we need to know?):
Arguments for this side:
How those arguments are supported:
People/Groups/Organizations on this side of the issue:
Identity issues involved:
Here is the Link to the Guidelines for the Issue Analysis Rough Draft/Final Draft:
Introduction
In the introduction you need to clearly establish the issue you are focusing on
Then, identify the two opposing sides of the issue
At the end of the introduction, use the thesis statement to set up the structure of the essay
Body Paragraphs
There are four main points that need to be covered in the body paragraphs:
A focused overview of each side of the issue (1 paragraph for each minimum)
Discussion of the claims, grounds, warrents, and backing for each side of the issue (1 paragraph for each minimum)
Discussion of the people/groups/organizations on each side of the issue (1 paragraph for each minimum)
Examine the most vocal people/groups/organizations on each side of the argument and analyze what that means for the argument. (reputations and public opinion matter)
Look at how the supporters identify themselves, and/or how identity plays a part in who supports this side of the issue. (religious beliefs, political affiliation, cultural identity, ect…)
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of their position, without criticizing or supporting it.
You should also look into how the various people/groups/organizations respond to the criticism of their position on the issue.
Analysis of the issue and each side. Discuss any strengths/weaknesses and what they mean for that side of the issue and/or the argument being made (can be one or two (or more) paragraphs, can also be included in other paragraphs instead)
Conclusion
reinforce the overall issue you are focusing on
make it clear where strengths and weaknesses are found on this side of the issue (this should reinforce your analysis)
wrap up identity issue discussion
Here is the link to the Issue Analysis Rough Draft for Instructor Comment:
You will be submitting the same rough draft twice. This one is for my feedback, and the other will be for peer review.
Issue Analysis Rough Draft for Peer Review:
