As a class, we will read and discuss several short pieces on the topic of the American Dream. Then, you will practice writing a brief argument. While you will not be expected to quote from the articles that we read as a class, you will likely find that these pieces provide you the background information on the topic that you will need to determine your stance on the issue.

According to Anker and Aitken in Real Writing, a good argument “takes a strong and definite position,” “gives good reasons and supporting evidence to defend the position,” “considers opposing views,” and “has enthusiasm and energy from start to finish” (287). For this assignment, you will need to establish your position on the issue, support it with persuasive evidence while recognizing opposing views, and do so in a way that communicates passion and concern.

Getting Started: For this assignment, I have chosen the topic “American Dream.” Since you only have one paragraph to address the topic, you will likely find it useful to narrow your argument even more. Organize your argument paragraph by beginning with the least important evidence and building up to the most convincing support or evidence for your argument. Be sure to choose transition words that assist your readers to move from point to point. Finally, write a conclusion that reinforces your position on the issue.  

Challenge: Write an argument paragraph about the American Dream as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic. Do you think the coronavirus will alter peoples’ positive expectations on the feasibility of the American Dream? Why or why not?

Putting It Together: Your argument paragraph should be written in third-person, typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font with standard one-inch margins and be a minimal length of 200 words. The argument paragraph is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 as an upload to Turnitin. Please also print a hard copy of your argument paragraph and turn it in at the beginning of class.