Any topic (writer’s choice)

consider the rhetorical power of Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail, especially its consideration of the idea of law. To do this, you will need to consider opposing arguments; lay out at least two of Dr. Kings; make one of your own; then offer a counterargument to your own before concluding.

The structure of your essay should look something like this:

I. Introduction (thesis statement at the end; remember, a paragraph should have at least three sentences)

II. Body

A. Summary: Alabama clergymens argument for stopping the demonstrations

B. Summary: Overview of Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail

1. King: argument for continuing lawful protest

2. King: another argument for continuing the demonstrations

C. Your Argument: which of the arguments above is most persuasive? Why?

D. Counterargument: what argument could you make against your own?

III. Conclusion (including a refreshing restatement of your main idea and of the validity of your own argument)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *