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Argumentative Essay: Should Everyone Be Created Equal?

Grade Level: 11th 12th grade Reading Assignment: Vonnegut, Jr,, Kurt. "Harrison Bergeron." The Nellen Family Jewels. Ed. Ted
Nellen. N.p., 2009. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. <http://www.tnellen.com/westside/harrison.pdf>. Writing Assignment:

In the short story Harrison Bergeron, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. creates a society in which everyone is treated equally. In doing so, Vonnegut raises the question of both what it means to be equal and whether or not everyone should be equal.

In an argumentative essay, explore the questions raised by Vonnegut in Harrison Bergeron. As the questions are strongly linked, you may respond to one or both of them in your paper. In order to do this, you will need to develop a thesis based upon your position and provide support for your argument. You must use examples from Harrison Bergeron, but you may also incorporate evidence from society (current and past) or from your own experiences. In order to demonstrate your skills in argumentation and create a stronger response, you must also address at least one argument of your opposition and dismiss it using appropriate evidence and examples. When making your argument, remember our discussion of: o The types of arguments. o The types of evidence. o Choosing evidence based upon your intended audience. Note: We will assume that the audience has read the story already, so keep the retelling of it to a minimum.

Requirements: Length: 3-5 pages Body: 3-5+ paragraphs 12 pt. Times New Roman font Due Dates: April 18: Draft 1 due April 21: Draft 2 due April 23: Final draft due

1 Margins MLA Format

Steps to Success: Choose the question(s) you would like to argue. Then, establish your stance on the subject and answer to the question.

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Find evidence in the text to support your argument. Be sure to mark or write down
quotations with page numbers of potential support for your argument. Remember to keep in mind your target audience when making these choices.

Decide on an argument of your opposition you would like to dispute and find the evidence
you can use to counter it. You may use any of the arguments that arose in class discussions or choose one of your own.

Organize your paper both logically and to make the most impact. Remember that it is most
powerful to start with your weaker arguments and build to the strongest. It is also often helpful to address an opposing view point early.

Develop an introduction that leads your readers into the paper and a strong conclusion that
leaves an impact. Although it assumed that your audience has read the story, be sure to give information about the storys author and title in the introduction. They worked hard and deserve some recognition too!

Give your essay a title. Be creative! This is your first chance to interest your reader and
bring them into your essay. Assessment: For a successful essay, you must:

Develop a strong thesis statement which indicates your stance on the subject. (10) Develop an argument that supports your thesis, is logical, organized, and dismisses at least
one of your oppositions points. (10)

Effectively use paragraphs and create smooth transitions between them. (10) Smoothly integrate evidence into the essay which strengthens your assertions about the
argument. (10)

Use language effectively. (10) Use grammar and punctuation appropriately. (10) Format your essay effectively in terms of the title, introduction, body, and conclusion.
(10)

Use MLA citation format correctly. (10) Participate in all aspects of the writing process, including: class discussion, activities,
homework, workshopping, meeting draft deadlines, and maintaining an overall positive attitude. (20)