Write an essay that takes a clear stand on a controversial issue while appealing to reasonable, intelligent readers who oppose your position. Successful Rogerian essays encourage readers to keep an open mind by avoiding needless confrontation, showing empathy for opposing readers’ perspectives, and seeking out common ground. Major portions of your essay should present research that represents the best, most reasonable arguments on both sides of the issue you choose. While you don’t need to imagine converting your readers over to your side of the issue, you should feel confident that you’ve supported your position with strong, compelling arguments.
Look for opportunities to focus on a specific law, legislative initiative, or other policy proposal (as opposed to a general issue). This will help you clarify your position and define the two sides of the controversy.
Questions to ask while working on your essay:
- • What facts, stories, statistics will warm up my reader for a discussion of the issue without appearing to push for my side too soon?
- • What questions can I ask in the opening of the essay to show that I approach the issue with an open mind?
- • What exactly is my stance on this issue? How can I state it so that my reader understands it clearly?
- • Have I found the best, most reasonable arguments that oppose my viewpoint? Have I shown my readers that I can understand their side?
- • Do I have strong arguments that support my position in a convincing way?
- • Have I sought out common ground? Have I considered what opposition readers and I can agree on?
- • Have I used a respectful tone toward the opposition and avoided unnecessary confrontational language?
- • Have I documented my sources carefully in MLA style according to the instructions in The Purdue OWL?
Requirements:
- • Minimum Length: 1,100 words (about four and a half pages). This does not include the works cited page.
- • Use 6-8 up-to-date, journalistic sources. More than half of your sources must have been published in the last two years.