Overview: The journal activity in this course is private between you and the instructor. This week, you spent some time reflecting on persuasion in your

everyday life, and you shared some potential topic ideas with your peers and instructor. But why is persuasion so important? Let’s think about that a little bit in

this journal assignment.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

1. After exploring the Opposing Viewpoints Database and reviewing your brainstorming activity, identify two issues that are related to your career or

degree:

a. Write a fully developed paragraph for issue one (5–8 sentences).

i. Explain at least two clear arguable sides to the issue.

ii. Explain how the issue relates to your field or degree, or your potential field or degree.

b. Write a fully developed paragraph for issue two (5–8 sentences).

i. Explain at least two clear arguable sides to the issue.

ii. Explain how the issue relates to your field or degree, or your potential field or degree.

2. After exploring the arguments related to your issues, take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Then, briefly reflect (in 1 to 2 paragraphs) on the

importance of persuasion for the issue you are most likely to write about. Be specific in your assignment; this information will help guide you as you

work on your project in the coming weeks.

a. Identify which side you might argue if you plan to pursue this issue in your final persuasive essay.

b. Identify your potential audience and why your topic would be relevant to them.