Your argument analysis should be clearly expressed in essay form. I am asking you to evaluate the argument presented in the editorial you choose, indicating what its conclusion and major premises are, how logically strong/adequate you think it is, and how relevant and acceptable its premises are. If this is applicable, please also indicate how you think the argument could be improved (for instance does it have missing premises? Does it use an irrational technique of persuasion?) Make sure you use the concepts discussed in class to analyze your argument. For instance, does it involve moral reasoning? Does it use irrational techniques of persuasion? Commit any fallacies? You do not need to do original research to evaluate the argument you choose, but should indicate what information a researcher who was following up on your argument analysis would need to collect to determine the acceptability of the premises and from what kind of sources.
For this assignment, you need to diagram the argument you analyze. You have three options. The expected length of your assignment is approximately 850 words, not including the words in your diagram or references. You can save words by listing and numbering the premises in your diagram and then referring to the premises by numbers in your essay. It is acceptable to be within 10% of the expected essay length. You are expected to cite your sources via a reference page. You may use any major form of citation (eg. APA, Chicago, MLA) but should be consistent and should follow the rules listed in a citation guide. Some citation guides are available here: https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/citing (Links to an external site.)
You should once again review the Rubric posted on the course Quercus site to see how you will be evaluated, as this should give you guidance about what is expected of your argument analysis.
