Take a Position

Your Title Page

By

First and Last Name

INTRODUCTION

Indentify you topic

Present Essential Background (w/citations) for both sides of the issue

Identify Main Concepts

Define Key Terms

THESIS/ASSERTION

Complete sentence that states your position

Use a subordinate clauses to acknowledge the position

Ex: George Bush started the war in Iraq so he could create other options for US oil exports

Ex: Except for medical reasons, marijuana should be illegal because it produces higher crime and public health concerns.

CONCESSION

Give credit to opposing side for a good idea – VISUAL

Agree with one aspect from the opposition - CITATION

REBUTTAL

Explain why the idea to which you concede is not as strong as one of your own claims

-OR-

Explain how the idea to which you concede is conditional

Use Infinitive Phrase to discuss position

Ex: Ambassador John Smith, to solidify US position, argues . . .

CLAIM #1

Write a complete sentence that states your claim (with VISUAL)

Use a Participle Phrase (verb acting as adjective) to emphasize time and subordinate clause to supplement your argument

Ex:

Acting in its own self interest, US foreign policy fails if military action becomes our primary response

WORD OR PHRASE

Use IMAGES with verbal explanations

Present specific evidence to support your claims

In March 2003, US forces attacked Iraq’s capital of Baghdad. Secretary of State, explaining the US position to the UN said on February 5 “every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence” (John Schwartz, UN Deception, Mother Jones: 2005)

CHOICE OF EVIDENCE

List Specific

Current Events

Historical Events

Personal Experiences

Literature/Books/News

That help build your case . . .

TYPES OF EVIDENCE

Write a full sentence for each:

Emotional (Anecdotes)

Logical (facts, stats, data)

Ethical (values, morals, propaganda, appeals)

CLAIM #2

Write a complete sentence that states your claim (with VISUAL)

Use an Infinitive Phrase (to+verb answering “why”) to emphasize time and subordinate clause to supplement your argument

Ex:

To conceal his position, President Bush called US ambitions “War” so now foreign policy was patriotic.

CONCLUSION

Restate (rewrite not recopy) assertion

Summarize/List Major Points

Present Thematic Conclusions

THEMATIC CONCLUSION

Use image that illustrates your closing statement

How will this affect the audience?

How does this topic address the Human Condition?

WORKS CITED PAGE

Use variety of sources

Cite Visual Sources you have used in this presentation

Use MLA Format

PRESENTATION TIPS

Consider your audience

Use more images than written words for the VISUAL

Explain the visuals with specific details

Make Eye Contact

Maintain adequate volume

Consider posture and body language