Isaiah Jones - Assignment 4

The purpose of Assignment 4 is to write a practical policy on a topic that relates you. The argument should have a cover letter addressing an individual with the authority to enact on your proposal. The argument should also consist of a problem, solution, and justification. The instructions for this assignment are very clear. One thing I’m confused on is how many sources and quotations we need to have.

A Proposal to Change the Meal Plan

The University of Louisville should modify it's current student meal plan because the plan is too large for students, and students can only use their meal cards at certain restaurants. A solution to this problem is to allow students to choose how many flex points and meal swipes they’ll need for the semester, and to allow local restaurants around campus to accept the meal cards.  

Research needed for this argument are:

·         Find statistics on students who think the meal plan is too big and on if they believe the university should allow more restaurants to accept the meal cards.

·         A survey showing how many students are dissatisfied with the current meal plan

·         Cost information

·         Information on how this will effect restaurants around campus

Isaiah Jones - Proposal Argument

There are two types of proposal arguments: practical and policy. Practical proposals propose an action to solve a local or immediate problem and are narrow and concrete. An example of this would be a proposal to change the meal plan for students. Policy proposals propose a broad plan of action to solve major social, economic, or political problems. This type of proposal is more concerned with the broad outline and shape of a course of action. An example of this would be what the U.S. government should do about the overcrowding of prisons.

The three main stages of a proposal argument are description of a problem, proposed solution, and justification for the proposed solution. The first stage, description of a problem, calls for the reader’s attention and states statistics so the reader can gain knowledge of the seriousness of the problem. The second stage is the proposed solution. This lays out the thesis, stresses the feasibility of a solution, and shows how it will solve the problem. The third stage is justification, and this stage convinces the audience that your solution will be successful and to develop persuasive reasons for enacting it.

a.       Marijuana should be legalized because it’s not harmful. (principle)

b.      Marijuana should be legalized because it can create more jobs. (consequences)

c.       Marijuana should be legalized because of its many health benefits. (resemblance)

d.      Division I athletes should receive salaries because it’s fair since people are making money off of them. (principle)

e.      Division I athletes should receive salaries because the university makes a lot of money off of them. (consequences)

f.        Division I athletes should receive salaries because they work hard and deserve to be paid. (resemblance)

Isaiah Jones - Outline

Why are college students always stressed?

 I, like many other college students across the country, am dealing with stress. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, I’m stressed out. With classes, homework, club meetings, intramurals, eating, and having a social life, I get very overwhelmed and stressed. All college students’ deal with stress and it has many negative effects on health. College students are stressed due to numerous things and it can be put into three categories: time management, academics, and finances.

Time management is probably the main reason college students become stressed.

·               Classes and homework

·               Sleep

·                Friends and relationships

·               Clubs and organizations

Academic performance is a huge reason why students are stressed out.

·                Homework and studying

·                Tests

·                Increase in work

College students can also become stressed because if financial responsibilities.

 Buying your own stuff

  Jobs

 Paying for college

Stress is a major issue for college students. Time management, academics, and finances can all cause stress in students. Knowing the causes of stress and learning how to deal with them can not only reduce stress, but make your college experience more enjoyable.

Isaiah Jones - Assignment 3

The purpose of Assignment 3 is to choose a controversial topic that impacts you personally. Then write an argument on that topic persuading your audience to believe in the causes or consequences of it. Assignment 3 is very clear and doesn't need any statements added to it. One thing I’m confused about is the structure of the paper. 

Isaiah Jones - Assignment on Causal Argument

The two arguments were both very persuasive. “Marriage shows the way out of poverty” does a great job of persuading its audience because it explains why people should get married before having children with many facts and statistics. For example “Unwed childbearing has risen from 6.3 percent of all births in 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson launched the War on Poverty, to more than 40 percent today.” This statistic is very shocking and explains why there is so much poverty in this country. “When Roommate Were Random” also is a great persuasive argument. The argument states reasons why it’s not a good idea to choose your roommate or look them up on social media before actually meeting them.

The arguments both give sufficient evidence to support their claims. In “Marriage shows the way out of poverty”, the claim is to get married to avoid poverty. The evidence for this claim is people who have kids before marriage tend to be poorer than those who wait till they’re married. In “When Roommates Were Random”, the claim is that college students shouldn't be able to choose their roommates. The evidence for this is the author explained a story of his college experience with his roommate and said that he was strongly influenced by him.

I think “Marriage shows the way out of poverty” is more persuasive because it gives more evidence and isn't opinionated. There’s plenty of facts to back up the claim and help the effectiveness of it. “When Roommates Were Random” isn't a bad argument, I just think the author gave his opinions more than facts to support his claim. And also I don’t agree with his claim that you shouldn't be able to choose your roommate.

Isaiah Jones - Causal Argument Topics

Stress is a serious problem many people face. It causes major health problems like weight gain, depression, diseases, and diabetes, which could lead to death. A simple stress reducer is exercise. Exercises such as jogging, lifting weights, or even playing your favorite sport all help in reducing stress. Exercise reduces stress because it makes people feel happier, distracts people from their daily worries, and improves health.

Obesity is a huge problem in this country. Many people who are obese have an increased risk of developing health problems. Ways to prevent obesity are eat healthy, exercise regularly, and change eating habits.

Isaiah Jones - Causal Arguments

A causal argument is a type of argument that tries to show how one event brings about another. The three typical kinds of causal argument are speculations about possible causes, arguments for an unexpected or surprising cause, and predictions of consequences. An example of speculations about possible causes is the causes of the Columbine High School shooting. Arguments for an unexpected or surprising cause is persuading readers to see the plausibility of the cause. An example of this is violent video games was the cause of the Columbine shooting. Predictions of consequences is when the consequences of current, planned, or proposed actions or events are predicted.

Violent video games and movies may have been a contributing cause to school shootings because playing and watching violent media can make violence seem enjoyable.

An increase in nonsmoking advertisements can cause less teens to smoke because they don’t want to end up like the people in the commercials.

Induction is inferring a general conclusion based on limited a number of specific cases. An example of this is you got sick after drinking pink lemonade but not after drinking regular lemonade. Another example is not going to fast food restaurants anymore because you got food poisoning after eating McDonalds. 

Isaiah Jones - Introduction to Evaluation Arguement and Works Cited

Introduction

The TV show "Dexter" has the criteria for a drama and crime show. Mant have different viewpoints on what drama and crime TV shows have. To me, dramas must contain a strong main character, excellent actors, a suspenseful and exciting plot, and even comedy and romance. An effective crime show should have violence and action. These categories are the criterion for a drama/crime TV show and that's why "Dexter" is the perfect mix of both a drama and crime. 

Works Cited

"Dexter on Showtime." SHO.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <http://www.sho.com/sho/dexter/home>.

"Dexter: Season 8." - Rotten Tomatoes. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <http://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/dexter/>.

"Episode Review: Dexter Series Finale." Reviews for Dexter Finale. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <http://www.metacritic.com/feature/dexter-series-finale-reviews>.

Isaiah Jones - Popular Culture Artifact

My evaluation argument will be on the popular TV show “Dexter”. The show is about a man who works for the Miami Metro Police Department who has a secret life as a serial killer. "Dexter" has been nominated for many major awards, but also has many critics. It is on DVD and also available on Netflix. There are eight seasons in the show, but the lasts two are less than two years old.

Isaiah Jones - Assignment 2 Prompt

The purpose of Assignment 2 is to find a popular culture artifact like a movie or musical album, and write an evaluation argument disagreeing with critics whose views differ from your views. Include a thesis and paraphrases and quotes from authors. A statement that could be added to make this clearer is if we have to agree with the popular culture artifact we choose. I’m confused about how to make an argument where you concede or refute.

Isaiah Jones - Assignment 1 Ad Analysis

The purpose of Assignment 1 is to write a rhetorical analysis about an advertisement. To determine the ad’s effectiveness find the rhetorical appeals. Demonstrate clarity, precision, breadth, and logic in the essay. Also write a thesis statement, and have clear topic sentences. To make Assignment 1 clearer, add an example of a rhetorical essay, so I can see the structure of it. I’m confused about whether I have to agree with the advertisement or not.

Isaiah Jones' Rhetorical Analysis

In Holcberg’s essay “Human Organs for Sale?” he persuades the audience that people have the right to sell their organs. In Example 1, the student provides some critical thinking and analysis. The student shows clarity by using quotes from the essay and elaborating on the quotes. He shows precision by understanding Holcberg’s use of rhetoric, and goes into detail on each, for example, “hideous suffering” is pathos. The student doesn't really go into depth on the different viewpoints of the essay, but does say the author isn't a credible source because he’s not a doctor. He also isn't very logical because in the conclusion he says the author isn't a good source, but before stated facts from the essay and agreed with it.

In Example 2, the student does a great job of providing critical thinking and analysis. He is clear on using quotes and facts from the essay. He is precise on the logos, ethos, and pathos of the essay, and even gives reason on them. The student is broad by showing multiple viewpoints saying more religious people wouldn't agree with Holcberg, while less religious people would agree. And finally, he is logical. The ideas fit together perfectly and the conclusion is based on evidence.

In conclusion, Example 2 was a better essay because it met all the criteria of critical thinking and analysis and gave examples of logos, ethos, and pathos. Example 1 was good because it provided examples of rhetoric, but it lacked a couple criteria.

Isaiah Jones' Writing Assignment

Gordon Adam's petition to wave the university mathematics requirement should be granted because he uses the three defining features of argument to provide details for his argument. The defining features Adam's uses is justifying claims, adds both product and process, and combines truth seeking and persuasion. He justifies his claim by clearly stating his argument and supporting it with details. An example of this is he said he didn't need algebraic skills for his career in law. He already completed algebra and scored the highest on a test out of the whole class, so he thinks it shouldn't be required to take two more math classes to graduate.
 Adam's uses both product and process by stating his argument against taking the math classes. He repeats the statement "Why do I need college algebra (MAT-117)?" this gives the audience an understanding that he wants a reason why he has to take the course. He also uses truth seeking and persuasion to state his argument. He tells the truth by telling his college experience and his goal of becoming an attorney. The persuasion is saying math shouldn't be required, and I'm sure most people would agree with this.Adam's petition should be granted because of his uses of the three defining features of argument.