Rhetorical Argument on Pay and Compensation for College Athletes

Project Contents—Total Project 30% of final grade Draft and Final of Three Original Short Arguments Peer Review Reflection Criteria & Evaluation for Work Draft of arguments (3 total) • Ideally 2-3 pages for each argument and complete (from introduction to conclusion) • Arguments should relate to similar topics, but address different views or different audiences • Double-spaced, MLA style • Addresses argument criteria (see below and text readings) Final arguments (2-3 pages each, three total, double-spaced, MLA format) • Address a specific target audience • Provide main claim, major reasons, appropriate evidence • Make good use of appeals and rhetorical strategies • Introduction includes clear thesis for paper • Provide context for rebuttal where appropriate • Conclusion summarizes and provides call to action • Use language in precise manner for accuracy and to generate reader interest • Well-edited, clear of grammatical/punctuation mistakes Reflection (1 page, double-spaced) • Explains selection of topic to argue • Analyze audience and their needs • Describes argument strategy • Evaluate your final arguments (what do you like? dislike?) • Respond to peer writing workshops from class (how were they helpful? What did you do with the advice given? What else did you need?)

For this project you will write three short original arguments that are related to one another. Each argument is 2-3 pages, double-spaced, MLA style. Some students choose one topic and explore three major claims or aspects of the argument through the three short pieces written to a similar audience. One of the arguments might primarily be a rebuttal or counterargument to expected audience concerns. Another approach to the portfolio is to argue the same idea to three distinct audiences, using information and sources relevant to each.

Past Projects for Inspiration

Climate Change

• Argument about causes (human action versus natural change)
• Argument about impact (changes in weather, business and human costs)
• Counterargument (no human element)

Ways to be Healthier

• Health through Food
• Health through Exercise
• Health through Grounded Living (spirituality, meditation)

Ways to be Healthier, alternate

• Healthy Living for Children (written to parents)
• Healthy Living for Adults (written to adult audience)
• Healthy Living for Aging Adults (written to caregivers of seniors)

Urbanization, Gentrification, and Atlanta

• Urban Business/Residential Development to Support Communities (written to business owners and developers)
• Urban Business/Residential Development to Support Communities (written to local residents)
• Gentrification and Harm to Local Residents (written to local residents and/or businesses)

Vaccines (any kind)

• Argument in favor for parents of small children
• Argument in favor to adults for selves
• Argument opposed to parents or adults

Compensation for College Athletes

• Support for Pay and Compensation (written to athletic programs and colleges)
• Support for Pay and Compensation (written to student athletes)

Opposed to Pay and Compensation (written to student athletes)