Argument Exercise

Topic one (pick one from list): Chickens
Audience: Assisted Living Dwellers

What is it you want to prove or cause to happen?
Good for senior citizens. They can help with feeding and caring for the chickens. It would bring enrichment for them and they can also get out to enjoy the outdoors.

Who is the audience (from list above) that you are trying to persuade?
Assisted living dwellers

Why should they care about this? (What are their beliefs/values? What will they gain or lose?)
They should care because it could be enjoyable to help care for the chickens. They also will receive delicious, fresh eggs from the chickens.

Reasons they should agree? These are the "because" statements?
Because they will receive fresh eggs
Because it will be a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors and bring the dwellers together. They can also help build the chicken coop.
Because it will force the elderly to have a routine/schedule

Reasons they might not agree? Possible objections they might raise?
No, because it will be too much work (cleaning and feeding)
No, because where would money come from to care for them?
No, because they'll be too noisy, too loud and obnoxious. We need our sleep

Answers to their possible objections? "My idea is superior because":
True, however it'll be a group effort to keep the chickens cleaned and fed
Well, yes, but you can sell the fresh eggs to the community to help support the chickens
Not in this case because, the chicken coop doesn't have to be near the facility so noise will be to a minimum.

What support can you give for each of the reasons for your argument? Add facts, stats, examples of similar problems, solutions, or situations for each section above:
Everyone enjoys fresh eggs, eggs can be sold to help with other projects in the assisted living facility.
Getting out and getting fresh air will help the elderly be relaxed, they can get out and enjoy the outdoors instead of staying cooped up in the facility
Routine could help the elderly remember what they need to do, they worry less about other things because they are caring for the chickens

Now go through this process for argument about what you'd change about K-12 curriculum:
What is it that you want to change, add, or cause to happen to the K-12 education?
Education needs to be engaging while being education. Involving students in their own learning.

Who is the audience you are trying to persuade?
Educators, students, and parents

Why should they care about this? (What are their values/beliefs about education?)
The student will have a more meaningful life, instead of conforming to society. They will also be able to have the courage to be different and to take charge of their own education. It will give them responsibility

What will they, their children or "society in general" gain or lose?
Children will gain insight to what interests them and to be involved in their own learning instead of sitting and reciting ideas, facts, things they are suppose to learn, which they will forget in a week or two.

Reasons they should agree with you? These are the "because" statements
Reason #1 because: opens communication between teacher, parents, and student
Reason #2 because: Creativity and learning starts from within the home. Students will be able to critically think
Reason #3 because: Students rise to the challenge of learning

Reasons they might not agree? Possible objection they might raise?
Objecton #1 no, because we (parents) don't have enough time
Objection #2 no, because it is up to teachers to teach the children
Objection #3 no, because we (parents) don't have the resources or know what to do to engage the children

Answers to their possible objections? "My idea is superior because":
True, however, you can always spend an hour a day with your child. Time you invest in your child will benefit them in the long run
Well, yes, but it is also up to parents to help their child. You don't want to see your child struggling and learning starts within the home.
Not in this case, because there are always resources, you just need to look. This also goes back to investing the time to help your child.

What support can you give for each of the reasons for your argument? Add facts, stats, examples of similar problems, solutions, or situations for each section above:

For reason #1: Will add some excerpt from Gatto
Reason #2: Robinson's excerpt
Reason #3: Scene from Stand and Deliver