Incentivizing Charity 2007

Question 1

argumentative essay - a position based on a syllogism

Answer 1

before you write an argumentative essay, make sure you find the part of the prompt where it actually gives you the assignment. watch out for passages that offer a question that is not the actual assignment

Question 2

how to start

Answer 2

brainstorm ideas. start with basic questions: is it fair? why should i care if it’s fair? clearly defining the concept can be really helpful. for example: charity is the selfless act of giving. think of examples of the issue from experiences, etc.

Question 3

choose a position

Answer 3

make sure you consider the ideas that are given in the prompt. remember they are for you to use. you need to learn to evaluate and see a concept from many different angles. decide what you feel about the issue and the position you want to support

Question 4

using a syllogism

Answer 4

• a syllogism may be a helpful way to present your argument. a syllogism consists of a major premise and a minor premise and a conclusion.
• for example
• • major premise = charity is a selfless act of giving
• • minor premise = getting a tax deduction for donating isn’t selfless
• • conclusion = therefore, tax deduction charity is not charity at all

Question 5

possible essay outline

Answer 5

• i. introduction - define charity
• ii. rewarding for donating is unfair.
• • rewards people for having wealth
• • some can’t take advantage of it
• iii. makes charity meaningless
• • not really selfless giving charity
• • it has become a way to trade
• reiterate the position

Question 6

which idea fits in paragraph II?

Answer 6

• Impoverished people can give time to others, and sometimes they end the incentives to do so
• Impoverished people can’t contribute as much, which allows the rich to “buy” grades, etc.
• incentives only help the rich develop a privileged mindset and the impoverished feel unworthy
• the outcome of the donation is that more people receive help
• Psychology textbooks explain that positive reinforcements help people to continue doing actions
• incentives for providing charity only help to shape selfish people
• it is unfair because only those who have wealth can receive the benefits from donating

Question 7

which idea fits in paragraph III?

Answer 7

• providing incentives for charitable donations will provide motivation to make this world better
• Americans are asked to give to charities on a daily basis, so they need to have rewards
• charity has lost the meaning of selfless giving; it is a way for people to trade for something else