Paper 2: Critiquing Arguments
Due 6:00 AM, Monday April 13 by email to smarx@calpoly.edu as a MS Word attachment.
The subject line of the email must have this format: yourlastname, yourfirstname 145paper2
Length: roughly 1000 words.
Write a critical analysis of one of the two essays by Michael Pollan, "Letter to the Farmer-In-Chief" or "An Eater's Manifesto" or of one of the critiques of his essay, "More Than One Man Can Chew," by James E. McWilliams and "Crossing the Line" by "Greensgal."
Begin with a brief introduction to capture the reader's interest.
Include a one-paragraph summary of about 250 words. Its topic sentence should paraphrase or quote the author's central claim. Its support sentences should paraphrase the main supports provided for that claim.
Evaluate some logical strengths and weaknesses you find in the argument. If possible state a counter argument to one of the claims. If appropriate state your rebuttal of the counter argument.
Describe and evaluate ways that the author appeals to the reader's emotions (pathos) and that he or she establishes their own credibility (ethos). If appropriate cite other critics.
Conclude with your overall judgement of the piece. In a low-key manner, appeal to your reader's emotions and establish your own credibility as a writer throughout the paper.