Choose a current controversial issue, and write a 1000-1250 word Rogerian argument essay that includes all of the parts of a Rogerian argument (below).
Your essay must include an Audience Analysis (on a separate title page). The hostile audience for this essay is the group of people who disagree with your point of view on your topic. Who are they? What do they believe? What do they value? What are some other details about them (demographics)? This is the group of people you will be trying to convince in your essay.
Your essay must have 5-7 credible sources on both sides of the controversial current issue you chose at least 3 on your side of the issue, and at least 2 on the other side. You may find your sources on the NOVA library databases, such as Proquest or Opposing Viewpoints. Your sources must be somewhat recent (last 1-5 years), and must come from reputable publicatons (no blogs or Wikipedia!). You must use MLA format to cite your sources (works cited and in-text citations).
Parts of a Rogerian argument:
Introduction
State the problem you hope to resolve. By presenting your issue as a problem you raise the possibility of positive change. Often opponents will want to solve the same problem.
Describe Opposing Views
As accurately and neutrally as possible, state the opposing view. By doing this you show that you are capable of listening without judging and have given a fair hearing to people who think differently from you.
Show Understanding
Show that you understand that there are situations in which the oppositions views are valid. Which parts of the opposing arguments do you concede? Under which conditions might you share these views?
State
Your Position
Now that readers have seen that youve given full consideration to views other than your own, they should be prepared to listen fairly to your views. State your position.
Describe Benefits to Opposition
Describe situations in which your view has value. By showing that your position has merit in specific contexts, you recognize that people wont agree with you all of the time.
Conclusion
Show how your position solves common concern(s) you share with your audience to end on a positive note.
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