Word count 1,000-1,200
– Intro = 100
– They Say = 200
– I Say#1 = 250
– I Say#2 = 250
– Benefits = 200
– Compromise = 150
– Conclusion = 100
2-3 sources you can choose 2 .com and 1 .edu or .gov or .org
1. Introduction Structure
– hook/phatic
– Introduce reasons
– Establish common ground
– Thesis
Common ground and thesis structure
– Both ____ and _____ know that ___________. In addition, most would agree that
__________. For this reason it is in everyone’s best interest for ____________. (2
reason) MAKE SURE YOU ARE FAIR(must use this thesis structure)
Things to keep in mind:
– Your thesis should be original, debatable, and provable
– Don’t set up an obvious argument
2. They say – give the opposing argument (reasons, evidence, etc.)
– 2 CLEAR reasons
– One source
– Two quotes
– Voice of other interpretive community is not present
– “I say” will win but make them think that they will win
– Tone = keep this audience in mind while fashioning your message
3. I say #1 – explain your reason and give evidence
– Topic sentence
– Two quotes
– Analyze
– Interpret
4. I say #2 – explain your reason and give evidence
– Topic sentence
– Two quotes
– Analyze
– Interpret
5. Benefits – what are the benefits of your side? This is the section where you should
respond to the reasons of the opposing side
– Gentle refutation (responding to “they say” reasons)
– Two quotes
6. Common ground – what are possible solutions/compromises
– No quotes
– Doesn’t the use of sources still keep the tone of an argument?
7. Conclusion – a summation, not a summary
– Ethical principle (fairness=ethos)
– Human nature – can we transcend our current nature? Is this a dream we desperately
want?
– Human condition – need to be social
– NO first person
– Each section should introduce new ideas and be unique
– NO Repetition
– Must follow structure for entire Rogerian Essay as well as for the thesis template
– You choose which side to take either it is enough to evaluate students or if it is not
enough to evaluate a student
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