Dr.

Cottrill
ENGL 101
Spring 2011
Essay #2: Arguing a Position

Technology has changed nearly every aspect of our lives. It influences our day-to-day activities, the way our
classrooms are designed, and even how wars are fought. In a
recent Frontline episode, Rachel Dretzin and Douglas Rushkoff
explore these and other topics to better understand the way
technology is changing us, or how, with technology, we are
changing. Because we often overlook the role technology plays
in our day-to-day lives, in your next essay you will use the
themes discussed in this documentary as a means to craft an
argument that explores a specific issue in relation to a specific audience.

Assignment
For your second essay this semester you will be constructing an argument based on your position on a particular
issue raised in “Digital Nation: Life on the Virtual Frontier,” as well as our discussions and readings. You will
need to pick one of the following issues and make an arguable claim or assertion, which you will develop and
support as an argumentative essay.

1. It seems today that everybody multitasks. Many people insist they are more productive when they do so, but
researchers at Stanford suggest otherwise. Multitasking can be seen in the classroom, at the local coffee shop, and
in business meetings, but what is gained from this? What is lost? Is multitasking something that society must now
accept as the norm? Write an essay that explores a specific aspect of this topic and takes a clear, arguable position
in an attempt to persuade your reader. In other words, take a position on the benefits or the dangers of
multitasking in a specific part of life and persuade your reader to believe you. Audience: College students at GVU.

2. The documentary said that about 90% of South Korean children use the internet and approximately 10-15% of
those children are at risk for becoming addicted. Because of this, the government offers free two-week “rescue
camps” for children who suffer from video game or technology addiction. On the other hand, from the time
children learn to read they are taught about internet etiquette in schools across the country. How does this
compare to America? What might America learn from this? Write an essay that explores one of these topics and
takes a clear, arguable position. In other words, focus your argument either on technology addiction, support for
technology addiction, or the role schools should play in training students to be “netizen” (web citizens). Then, take
a position on the topic and persuade your reader to believe you and perhaps enact change. Audience: Mental
health professionals or School Board members

3. One teacher interviewed during the documentary compared classrooms that have no technology to a desert.
Jason Levy, the Principal in a South Bronx school, compared technology to oxygen and said all students deserve
access to technology as a way to support the school-wide laptop program. Others, however, say that being
constantly plugged in is problematic. Todd Openheihmer said that the instant gratification of technology has lead
to boredom and that technology has made us believe that all of our needs should be met instantly. Does
technology have a place in the classroom? What has the introduction of technology in the classroom done to the
learning environment? How has technology changed the expectations of what students should learn? how
teachers interact with students? Write an essay that explores one of these topics and takes a clear, arguable
position. In other words, take a position on how technology is changing education and persuade your reader to
believe you. Audience: GVU Education members

4. Pick an issue not raised in one of the previous prompts related to technology and: education, multitasking,
distraction, addiction, children, or war. Then, write an essay that explores a specific, arguable aspect of this topic
and craft an essay that takes a clear position in an attempt to persuade your reader. Audience: Your audience will
depend on which topic and aspect you explore. See me for more help on this.
Remember that you will want to take a single side of the debate and convince your reader to believe your claim.
Taking a Position
In class we have been talking about the importance of taking a position. Keep in mind that to do this you must
first find a debatable topic (are video games addictive?). Then, take one side of the debate as your position
(video games are not addictive). Finally, form your position into a thesis statement (While some believe that
video games are addictive, I argue that addictive personalities are in fact the problem, not the video games).

Audience
Your audience for this paper will depend on the topic you select (see “Audience” notes for each prompt), but
you should craft your essay to a reader who disagrees with your claim but is open to listening. In other words,
your reader will be familiar enough with your topic to take a position on it but is also willing to learn more and
willing to change his/her mind if the argument is convincing enough.

Getting Started
In order to write a successful paper you will want to make sure that you watch the video closely and take notes.
You can rewatch parts of the video (or the entire video) online (linked on Blackboard).

After you have selected a topic and a position or claim you will need to have it approved by me not later than
the first class of week 5.

Keep in mind that your essay will need:

 An introduction. You should define the issue, provide necessary background information on your subject
for your reader, and conclude with a thesis statement that includes your position.
 Several supporting paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single reason for your position with
sufficient evidence, including specific examples, to support each reason for your position.
 At least one counterargument. Acknowledge at least one possible counterargument and then refute it by
respectfully noting flaws in the reasoning or view (Note: We will work on counterarguments in class).
 A conclusion that wraps up your argument by rehighlighting your argument. Do not simply restate your
introductory paragraph(s) or introduce points not discussed in the body of your essay.

Requirements
Your essay should:
 Be 750-1,250 words (about 3-5 pages) long and follow MLA formatting requirements (including in-text
citations and a works cited page).
 Present a clearly, well-reasoned, focused argument to a specific audience.
 Develop key points with examples, evidence, and analysis.
 Anticipate and respond to possible counterarguments.
 Reference "Digital Nation.”

Important Dates
Introduction to assignment
Movie Day(s): Missing one class will result in a 10-point penalty on your final essay. Missing both
classes will result in a 20-point penalty on your final essay.
Peer Review: Bring a hard copy of your essay to class. Missing peer review is unacceptable.
Required: Completed Rough Drafts Due electronically by 9 am to my email
(bcottrill@[Link]). Late essays will not receive feedback.
Final portfolio due – no electronic versions
If you need help at any stage of the writing process, be sure to schedule an appointment with me or stop by during my office hours. You
can also schedule an appointment at the Writing Center in Rasmussen 205 (515-263-2855).