Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Chapter 10 “Arguing a Position” Pages 119 - 149
I. Text Study and Preparation for Writing
A. Critically read the argument “Organ Sales Will Save Lives,” pages 119-124.
B. Answer the questions below to help you write a textual analysis of this essay.
1. What is the author’s position on the issue; i.e., what does her essay argue?
_______________________________________________________________
2. Does the essay have a clear and arguable position? ______________________
3. Does the author provide necessary background information? ______________
Which paragraphs provide background information? ____________________
4. Does the essay give reasons why selling organs should be legal? __________
5. What paragraphs offer reasons? ____________________________________
6. What evidence does MacKay give to support her reasons for selling organs?
(see handout analyzing the MacKay essay paragraph by paragraph). ______________________________________________________________
7. Does MacKay appeal to the values and emotions of her readers? __________
Where?
8. Does the essay have a trustworthy tone? _____________________________
Give an example.
9. In what paragraphs does MacKay acknowledge the arguments AGAINST legalizing the sale of human organs? __________________________________
10. What arguments against legalizing organ sales does MacKay mention? What counter argument does she offer for each one?
a.
b.
c.
d.
11. Find an article about the reasons selling organs should NOT be legalized, that current laws should stay the same. Be sure the article comes from a reputable source and has the characteristics of a well-written argument.
Apply the questions above to the article against organ sales that you found.
Give the author and title of the article.
12. Which of the two articles makes the stronger argument for or against organ sales? __________________________________________________________
What is your position on the issue?__________________________________
Did your position change as a result of this study? Explain. __________________________________________________________________
13. Read pages 135-149 “Key Features / Arguments” and “A Guide to Writing Arguments,” especially pages 144-145. Did one or both of your articles on organ sales follow the suggested organization shown in your book? ________ Which one? ______________________________________________________
II. Write an essay that lists and discusses the arguments for and
against organ sales that you have learned from your sources.
Tell which arguments are the most convincing to you.
Submit final draft of Essay #2: An Essay Comparing and
Evaluating the Arguments for and against Legalizing the Sale of
Human Organs.
Include a Works Cited page listing the two articles – the MacKay
article as well as the article you found that discusses opposing
arguments.
