1. This paper will be 7-8 pages long (text) and will include a title page, abstract, and references page for a total of 10-13 pages.
2. You will include 7 scholarly/academic sources AND/OR sources from acceptable Internet sites. Refrain from using Wikipedia, other encyclopedia sources, SparkNotes, and other “general knowledge” sources. Instead, use the library’s resources. I suggest you search only through OneSearch via the MU Library. Don’t even bother with Google UNLESS you are looking at news articles from reliable newspapers like USA Today, The New York Times, or The Washington Post OR if you are using information from professional organizations’ websites (like the American Association of Pediatrics, for example).
3. Observe APA style and format.
4. Observe proper grammar and mechanics.
5. Observe the 4 pillars of argumentation: an arguable thesis; evidence; a refutation; and a strong concluding comment.
6. You will use either the Toulmin model of argumentation to write your paper or you will use Rogerian argument to write your paper. See each topic for options as they vary.
7. Include a relevant visual (photo, chart, graph, image, illustration, etc.) to support your argument. The visual may NOT be more than ½ page in size. Cite it per APA style.
8. Include at least one but no more than two block quotes. Cite it per APA style.
A. Mandatory Immunization of all children enrolled in public schools
The Rhetorical Situation:
Writer: You—but observe third person point of view to maintain formality
Purpose: To convince the audience that either 1) vaccinating all children is necessary to preserve public health or 2) vaccinating all children despite parents’ objections violates parents’/children’s rights.
The Audience: Parents who oppose vaccinating their children OR state law makers who are uncertain whether to require mandatory vaccinations.
The Question: Should states/the Federal government require all children enrolled in public schools to be immunized?
The Context: The United States, Present day. The population is divided over mandatory immunization. Many parents think it’s necessary; others object to it, but those who object often cite specious quasi-science and Internet myths to support their claims.
Best Argumentative Approach—The Toulmin Model of Argumentation is likely the best approach. There’s no real easy way to come to a compromise solution on immunization, so Rogerian argumentation doesn’t make much sense. Either the government requires immunizations or it doesn’t. Presently, there’s a “religious objection” exception that is largely abused by parents seeking to avoid immunizing their children—this exception is the present “compromise solution.”