Informal Assignment essay
these IA assignments need to demonstrate the following skills: strong reading comprehension, concise/accurate analysis of what the authors are saying, synthesis of multiple authors’ opinions and ideas (on a range of topics), connecting common denominators between the works (this is huge), construction of opinionated thesis/claim statements in third person voice, Aristotle’s three forms of appeal, and a clear understanding of Toulmin’s elements of argument (the language of these six elements should guide your discussion and analysis of what the authors are saying (Toulmin elements are: claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifiers, rebuttals). It is not necessary to approach the Toulmin elements with an exhaustive “list mentality” for every essay in the set, as though you need to thoroughly address all six elements for every essay, BUT the general language of your discussions should consist of frequent references to the most prominent elements in a naturally-flowing way (i.e. the various authors’ “claims” should always be named)!
First, read W.H. Auden’s poem entitled “The Unknown Citizen” (662) and be sure to apply it (name it and discuss Auden’s ideas) to IA’s 5, and 6 —based upon the ideas that emerge from your insights/opinions about all of the other works!
IA # 5 (principled living) – Plato (672); LeGuin (666); Orwell (684); Cave (711); Hardy (713)
IA #6 (contentment/peace) – Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler (744); Thoreau (732); Stace (690); Machiavelli (643); DeVeau (316)
Please type and save each essay as a separate document. If you need the reading to complete the essays let me know and I will be able to provide you with them.
