Certainty v Doubt 2012

Question 1

argumentative essay - develop a position

Answer 1

when you are writing an argumentative essay that is a “develop a position piece,” you have to come up with your own original argument. it can be challenging because there are so many possibilities, but it gives you more freedom to pursue a topic that interests you

Question 2

how to start

Answer 2

if you are given two quotes in the prompt, start by finding the similarities and differences between them to identify their relationship

Question 3

brainstorm

Answer 3

start by throwing out ideas. brainstorm good and bad things about the relationship you found between the quotes. consider real experiences or things you’ve read of observed. for example have you ever doubted, why? when do you feel certainty? etc.

Question 4

choose a position

Answer 4

now pick a position based on your brainstorm ideas. your position doesn’t have to agree or disagree with either of the quotes. just think of the quotes as a way to get you started, and then develop the relationship any way that you want

Question 5

which of the following data would best support the relationship between these two quotes?

Answer 5

• the transcendentalist, Emerson, understood that materialism gets in the way of spirituality
• Babe Ruth knew that he had everything to lose by striking out, but he kept playing the game
• Anthony Robbins realized that it’s hard to accomplish difficult tasks if we’re not willing to try
• Lennon knew that people can be too focused on the future instead of living in the current moment
• JFK asked millions of Americans to gift their skills upon the developing world in the Peace Corps
• Nelson Mandala fought for freedom through Apartheid. He kept fighting for equality and justice
• Lou Gehrig was honored by the celebration of his career in a Major League baseball celebration
• Laughter is an important part of life
• John Wooden knew that we must find vocations that make us truly happy in this life
• American patriots like Nathan Hale exist to ensure that the freedoms we hold dear continue
• Random drug tests are currently given to many public school students without probable cause
• friends love in spite of hard times or personal flaws
• Locally grown food is fresher, more nutritious, and doesn’t require huge gas prices for transport
• anger is bad; it gives people power over you and destroys you