Polite Speech 2015

Question 1

Argumentative Essay - Abstract Idea

Answer 1

sometimes you may be asked to write an argumentative essay about a very abstract idea

Question 2

how to start

Answer 2

try to simplify the idea into something more digestible. for example: what’s the point of being polite? a good place to start is by evaluating the pros and cons of the idea

Question 3

example pros and cons

Answer 3

• pros
• • encourages cordiality
• • perceived as authentic
• • teaches respect
• cons
• • disingenuous (fake)
• • attract unwanted attention

Question 4

take is seriously

Answer 4

even though the issue may seem frivolous, if you take it seriously enough and focus on the pros and cons, you can find enough material to write an effective argument

Question 5

evaluate your position

Answer 5

if you have several pros and only a few cons about an issue, you know where you stand on the issue (or the opposite). you don’t have an equal amount of pros and cons, just enough to evaluate the issue

Question 6

use personal experience

Answer 6

consider your own experiences with the issue. how has it impacted you and the people that you know? for example: image a whole day without polite speech

Question 7

CON

Answer 7

• polite speech requires too much energy, and modern communication is too hard as it is
• instead of making small talk with polite speech, we should make substantial real connections
• we should make substantial real connections instead of fake ones
• children don’t trust adults who use hollow pleasantries because they know they are liars
• instead of communicating politeness, hollow phrases indicate the people lack substance
• old forms of politeness should be abolished because it will get rid of the class system

Question 8

PRO

Answer 8

• officials in courts use these terms to indicate decisions are right and justified
• children should be polite because it demonstrates respect to another human being
• politeness is associated with propriety and ethical correctness
• polite speech helps people relate to one another - to not upset them - to be kind