Average Man 2011B

Question 1

argumentative essay - write the extent to which

Answer 1

before you start writing your argumentative essay, you MUST read the prompt carefully to understand the type of essay to write

Question 2

understand the prompt

Answer 2

if the prompt asks you to explain “the extent to which” a statement is true, you can write a defend, challenge, or qualify piece. you can decide how much or how true the statement is

Question 3

how to start

Answer 3

think about your own personal experience. find a line for yourself on the issue considering what you believe. try to think of scenarios where you can see both sides of the issue. for example: how do i feel about security checks in airports? how do i feel about the law that makes me wear a seat belt?

Question 4

brainstorm ideas

Answer 4

throw out ideas until you come up with a point of extent. for example: when do i want to feel safe more than be free? find your own personal line on the issue. the line is different for each person

Question 5

develop your position

Answer 5

as you write, give examples that support your position. include examples from your brainstorm session

Question 6

consider the counterargument

Answer 6

what is the other side of the issue? what objections might someone have to your claims? you should address this concerns in your essay, but not in such a way that it undermines the strength of your position

Question 7

how to use counterargument

Answer 7

however, if you get stuck in your writing, turning to a counterargument is a good place to go. first bring up objections to your position, and then explain why your position is still true

Question 8

data

Answer 8

• during a terrorist attack, people willingly hide in closets or under furniture
• many people take part in civil rights marches, though they could be jailed or injured for doing it
• the government collects and evaluates emails and phone records to track and stop terrorists
• ## most people war restraining seat belts when they ride in a car; seat belts have saved many lives

Question 9

CHALLENGE Mencken’s observations

Answer 9

• transcendentalists sacrifice safety by living in the woods because they value freedom
• if i were being held captive in a shed, i would value my freedom over safety
• i’m a member of the ACLU, and i never agree to sacrifice freedom or bend the constitution
• in the novel “1984” people wish to be free because living without freedom is not a life
• people always protest if their freedoms are impugned, which indicates everyone wants freedom
• people want to be free and are willing to sacrifice their need for safety in order to maintain it

Question 10

DEFEND Mencken’s observations

Answer 10

• people want to be safe and would be willing to sacrifice small freedoms in order to maintain it
• the average person will run away from anything that puts his/her life at risk
• on Sept 11, 2001, Americans were ready to sacrifice all freedoms for safety
• if bombs were being dropped on my city, i wouldn’t care about freedom, just my safety
• in history people sought freedom, but it has come at great cost, and safety is valued more now
• freedom is defined in the constitution, and we constantly challenge and refine this definition

Question 11

QUALIFY Mencken’s observations

Answer 11

• while people do wish to be safe, if their freedom is removed, they will fight to get it back
• surveillance cameras at the store take away some freedom, but the safety they provide is worth it
• safety is valuable to most people, but if their freedom is being harmed, safety is secondary
• most people wish to be safe, but some outliers in society crave pure freedom
• in some situations you can sacrifice your freedom for safety, like at the airport, but not always