Rather than try to convince or persuade an audience of the rightness or wrongness of an idea or concept, Rogerian argument emphasizes the common ground between two (or more sides) of an issue and strives for compromise and solution. This argumentative strategy requires that the author be empathetic, and patient, as he/she attempts to establish a workable and acceptable solution to issues that are often complicated and convoluted.
In a 750-1000 word essay, create a Rogerian argument over one of the following topics:
Immigration
Structure your essay according to Rogerian strategy. First, identify the differences. What is polarizing about this argument or issue? What are the key sides to the issue? How is the information presented to the audience? Introduce the issue and show that you fully understand and acknowledge each side of the argument.
Then, restate the issue or argument in neutral terms. How can this argument be presented in a more neutral, more objective way? Discuss which contexts and under what conditions each position may be valid. Do not distinguish one side or element of the argument as completely wrong.
Next, uncover the common values for all sides of the issue. What assumptions, views, and values, might the different elements share with those on the other side of the argument? Share the benefits of a common position, indicating the contexts and under what conditions it is valid.
Finally, propose a solution. What changes would you make to find a common ground, or possible solution, to the impasse? What compromise will each side have to make? Indicate how each side would benefit from adopting an element of compromise. Illustrate how each side complements the other and how compromise supplies what each position lacks.
You must use at least two valid and credible sources for this essay; do NOT use .com or .net websites. Your sources should come from the TCC libraries and databases. Cite your sources using MLA documentation standards. Include a Works Cited page. Follow MLA composition and formatting standards. Use Standard Edited American English; do not use contractions or slang. DO NOT use first or second person.
