Choose one of these essays; Articles are available on Springboard

“A Drinking Age of 21 Doesn’t Work” – John McCardell

“The 21-Year-Old Drinking Age: I Voted for it; It doesn’t work” – Morris Chafetz

“The Drinking Age of 21 Saves Lives” – Toben Nelson, Traci L. Toomey et al.

“Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense” – Joe Klein

“Legalize Marijuana? Obama was Right to Say No” – Bernadine Healy

Write an analysis of the argument that answers the following questions. Each is worth up to 10 points for a thorough and in-depth response. ATTACH THIS PAPER TO THE FRONT OF YOUR ESSAY or I will deduct 10 points from your grade.
1. Who is the author? Research and give relevant information about him/her. Where and when did this argument first appear? What led the author to write it? Characterize the expected audience(s). How did these circumstances affect the final product?
2. What is the larger conversation about this issue? Research the issue to find out what people were saying about it at the time. How is the issue still relevant today?
3. What is the main claim of the argument? How does it fit into the larger conversation?
4. What reasons does the author give to support the claim? Which kinds of good reasons- for example, definition, value, cause – are present here?
5. Analyze the ethos. Does the writer have credentials as an authority on this subject? Do stylistic choices enhance or detract from it? Do you trust the writer? Why or why not?
6. Analyze the pathos. Does the writer attempt to invoke an emotional response through poignant examples or charged language? What values lie beneath this argument? Where does the writer appeal to these values? Why might he/she assume the audience shares them? Which do you share with the writer? Are there some you don’t share?
7. Analyze the logos. Where do you find facts and evidence in the argument? What kinds of evidence (factual/statistical, testimonial, anecdotal, analogical) are included? Has the author provided analysis to connect the claim and reasons with the evidence? Are there any fallacies or other problems with the reasoning?
8. How does the author deal with opposing views? Does the author acknowledge any validity to the other side of the argument? Is there a refutation or a counterargument or both? Is it effective? Where do you think the argument is strong? Where do you think the vulnerabilities of this argument lie? Finally, do you agree with the writer?
9. MLA Margins and headers – make your first page look like the example on Springboard. Put your last name and page number on the upper right corner ½ inch from the top.
10. Mechanics, Logical Organization and Graceful Style.
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