Causal Argument Assignment

Due dates:

• Proposal (250 words) with six sources: 3 March to wiki
• Draft: 13 March, bring two copies
• Final: 17 March; 11:59PM to wiki

Length: 1000-1200 words

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Causal arguments are often important components of larger, more complicated arguments because they attempt to say either how something came to be or how something might be done. The purpose of the present assignment is to learn how to argue about connections of cause and effect in a persuasive manner.

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Assignment Objectives
The task of the assignment is to construct a rhetorically effective causal argument. Causal arguments links actions or events along a time line. Such arguments tell us why something happens, is happening, or will probably happen. Therefore, a causal argument can serve one or more of four main purposes: to entertain, to inform, to speculate, and to argue. Whether we're enrolling in a fitness program, appearing in traffic court, diagnosing a child's illness, or assessing an investment, we're analyzing causes, often for a specific audience. Because purpose and audience are nearly inseparable, it's often impossible to decide which to think about first. But if you consider your general subject, then you can begin to determine the exigence for your writing and your purpose. Your audience will be those readers best served by your purpose, so you'll need to consider the values they hold and the information they need.

Your thesis statement will introduce your subject to that audience, suggest the reason you're analyzing it, and state the ideas about the causes or consequences you want your readers to accept. Unless you're absolutely certain, using phrases such as "probably" and "most likely" will enhance your credibility with your readers.

What conclusions can you draw from your analysis? What inferences? What implications? If you answer these three questions, your conclusion will offer you an opportunity to push your own thinking as well as that of your audience-and you'll write a meaningful conclusion, one that goes beyond a weary restatement of your introduction.

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Process
Read EA, 219-223 for guidelines on how to prepare for writing an effective causal argument.

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