2nd Paper: Your First Argument Paper: "Reefer Madness" -- Is Schlosser Effective?

An Appealing Argument?

Background

In the first chapter of Eric Schlosser’s book Reefer Madness, he argues that the punishments for marijuana use and possession are perhaps too stringent and these strict laws reveal a problem within American culture’s perception of marijuana use and possession.

Task

In a 3-4 page essay discuss in detail how effective you think Schlosser’s argument is. Some questions to think about when addressing this prompt would be: What is Schlosser’s argument? How does he support his argument? What kind of argumentative strategies is Schlosser using? Is he persuasive and if so, how? If not, why not? What function do rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos and logos have in his argument?

Goals for this Essay

•       A unique title that shows some level or original creativity/thought.
•       An introduction that introduces the reading, author, and topic and catches the reader’s attention.
•    Clear thesis statement that conveys your opinion about Schlosser’s argument (NOT about marijuana laws).
• Your thesis should be one of the two: either you find Schlosser's argument effective or you do not find it effective--then you'll prove why.

• Well-organized body paragraphs in which you:

·      Have strong topic sentences that clearly support your thesis statement.

·      Use of evidence from Schlosser’s introduction and first chapter to support your points, specifically identifying effective or non-effective use of rhetoric (think Logos, Ethos, Pathos) in his argument.

·      Explain/analyze how and why your evidence proves your points.

• Quotations and references to Reefer Madness using the MLA guidelines.
• Work Cited page.
• Free of proofreading errors.

Due Dates/Schedule

Rough Draft: 10/6—Start early! 

Begin preparing your ideas and outlining or freewriting before 9/29.

Final draft due:         10/13