Writing the AICE General Paper THE DISCURSIVE INTRODUCTION

Writing the AICE: General Paper— THE DISCURSIVE INTRODUCTION AICE: GP/9 2013 -2014

FIRST, FIRST a Quick REVIEW… REVIEW IDENTIFYING THE GP PROMPT STYLE BRAINSTORMING DISCURSIVELY

GP Plan of Attack FOUR ESSENTIAL STEPS TO SUCCESS: Know your prompt: select prompts where you are absolutely certain of the meaning of every word and of the particular demands and emphasis of the question. Plan Ahead/Brainstorm: draw up an essay plan which sets up your main points in a logical sequence. Consistently move from general point to specific example. Think globally: support major points with illustrative examples drawn from appropriate local, national or international sources. Minimize Errors/Revise: Leave at least 10 minutes to run through a mechanical check of English in each sentence.

REVIEW: Identifying the Prompt and its Limits A. Technology is more a curse than a blessing in the workplace. Do you agree? B. In what ways can advertising be useful and entertaining? C. How far do the media have the right to probe into a person’s private life? � First, identify what style of prompt it is. � Then, interpret the wording of the prompt by looking for words that are either broad and will need to be narrowed for the purposes of your essay, and/or if there are words that limit your essay reach already.

Defining the Parameters of an Essay A. Technology is more a curse than blessing in the workplace. Do avv you agree? (PERSUASIVE) Technology Curse Blessing Workplace B. In what ways can advertising be useful and entertaining? (EXPOSITORY) Advertising Useful Entertaining Media C. How far do the media have the right to probe into a person’s private life? (DISCURSIVE) Person Private Life

REVIEW: Generating Ideas for Your Brainstorm The best way to brainstorm? Think GP RELEVANCE…!!! State, national, international Past history, current events Consider all academic categories Use the Hand Approach to help you…

THUMB: SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY INDEX: GOVERNMENT and POLITICS MIDDLE: ENVIRONMENT RING: SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP S “History repeats itself. ” Discuss. PINKY: MEDIA, SPORTS and ENTERTAINME NT

The thumb represents “do-ityourself” methods or techniques through mechanisms, gadgets or tools which technology has provided for or made possible.

Think about political issues that emanate from a source of power, control and authority Use your pointer finger. You are the body politic!

Your middle finger is surrounded by two other fingers as the ENVIORNMENT is surrounded by countless other elements. The environment is in the midst of it all!

The Ring Finger: Love and Marriage The domain of love, marriage, family, and social networks: Relationships are associated with the ring finger

The fifth !!

(+) (-) B A TOPIC primary example * details secondary example * details PROMPT A B TOPIC primary example * details secondary example * details

REVIEW: Discursive Brainstorm You will have a maximum of 10 minutes to complete this preliminary brainstorm. Using the discursive brainstorm style we learned, choose ONE of the following two prompts below and create a brainstorm for it. 1. Do politicians have any influence? 2. How far is it possible for societies to provide equal opportunities for all their citizens? ?

The Discursive Essay: THE INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Introductions are similar to a first impression…it is important to impress the reader right away so that he/she sticks around to read the entire essay. It’s also important that the reader knows exactly what to expect in the upcoming essay. Thus, your Intro must provide INTEREST and DIRECTION…to accomplish this, however, it DIRECTION must contain CONCRETE ideas.

The best way to learn is through observing skill in action…let’s take a look at some samples! UNDERSTANDING THE INTRO… SAMPLES AND ACTIVITIES PACKET

The Introduction: General Rules Maintain the “GP, ” objective approach… Avoid personal input/experiences No “I think’s” or “I feel’s” (or “in my opinions”…etc etc) Avoid direct address of the essay task (i. e. “in my essay, I’m going to talk about…)—it sounds robotic! (SEE SAMPLES A and B) Lead the reader in the right direction… Provide appropriate expository, persuasive, or discursive “spin” in the opening paragraph Set limits in your essay…you can’t tackle the world in 600800 words, so what WILL you cover? Organize your ideas in the intro to reflect the order in which they’ll appear in the body (SEE SAMPLES C, D and E)

The Introduction: General Rules Ideas in the intro MUST be CONCRETE… Avoid vague language; don’t “beat around the bush” Avoid abstract ideas; be direct in what you intend to discuss Avoid stating the obvious (the “duh” factor); this wastes valuable time and space! Avoid wishy-washy language Avoid rhetorical questions; get down to the answers! Provide concrete images that create a brief, clear picture of the topic, so the reader can begin to digest your intentions right away…otherwise, they won’t believe what you’re asserting and won’t likely read on! (SEE ACTIVITY F)

Connect with your Reader… DIAL A-T-T!! Formula for an Impeccable Introduction… A - ATTENTION-GETTER T - TRANSITION TO TOPIC T - THESIS STATEMENT

Sample GP Discursive Introduction: Find A-T-T “Some people believe that all wars are unjust; others believe that war is justifiable under certain circumstances. ” Discuss your view. According to Greek philosopher and historian Plato, “only the dead have seen the end of war. ” While conflict will continue to boldly present itself for years to come, the justification for unleashing such harm upon one’s enemy is not as easy to see. Whereas wars that are fought to defend and protect the quality of life and human rights can be justified, wars fought on the premise of personal gain, at the expense of others, are clearly unjust. Under certain circumstances, then, war—in this case a physical conflict between opposing groups —can be justified in the name of honor but is not the most viable option in the name of greed.

A-T-T…Dialed! Attention -getter According to Greek philosopher and historian Plato, “only the dead have seen the end of war. ” While conflict will continue to boldly present itself for years to come, the justification for unleashing such harm upon one’s enemy is not as easy to see. Whereas wars that are fought to defend and protect the quality of life and human rights can be justified, wars fought on the Thesis premise of personal gain, at the expense of others, are Statement clearly unjust. Under certain circumstances, then, war —in this case a physical conflict between opposing groups—can be justified in the name of honor but is not the most viable option in the name of greed. Transition to Topic

But remember, since the prompt for this essay is so broad, it could address any number of ideas… Therefore, the reader must set limits to the discussion or we’ll be here all month! What do you mean by WAR in YOUR essay? Physical war: Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, WWII Verbal war: Iran, North Korea (nuclear weapons communication); Tibetan Monks (religious freedom; peaceable protest) What do you mean by JUST vs. UNJUST? Just: for the greater good, utilitarian, democratic, further humanity, prevent history from repeating itself? Unjust: is sacrifice of people/resources worth it, impedes upon rights, hinders progress? What do you mean by CIRCUMSTANCES? Financial gain, delicacy of human life, progress of society, preservation of tradition/law/morals

Defining Essay Parameters/ Setting Limits According to Greek philosopher and historian Plato, “only the dead have seen the end of war. ” While conflict will continue to boldly present itself for years to come, the justification for unleashing such harm upon one’s enemy is not as easy to see. Whereas wars that are fought to defend and protect the quality of life and human rights can be justified, wars fought on the premise of personal gain, at the expense of others, are clearly unjust. Under certain circumstances, then, war Narrowed —in this case a physical conflict between opposing Limits of groups—can be justified in the name of honor but is not Essay/ Parameters the most viable option in the name of greed.

OPTIONS FOR ATTENTION-GETTING Options: A Quotation (value/depth in comment itself or speaker) Shocking Facts/Current Events Realistic Anecdotes/Plausible Scenarios Flashbacks to Historical Events/Past-to-Present Progress Fragments for Effect (creative yet grounded) Allusion to well-known persons, places, things, ideas Target the Topic—General to Specific (SEE SAMPLE SET G)

Attention-Getting Approach: According to Greek philosopher and historian Plato, “only the dead have seen the end of war. ” Quote While conflict will continue to boldly present itself for years to come, the justification for unleashing such harm upon one’s enemy is not as easy to see. General Whereas wars that are fought to defend and protect the quality of life and human rights can be TO justified, wars fought on the premise of personal gain, at the expense of others, are clearly unjust. Under certain circumstances, then, war—in this case a physical conflict between opposing groups— can be justified in the name of honor but is not the most viable option in the name of greed. Specific

Approaching the DISCURSIVE Intro: Intro Think about it… Since a discursive essay will discuss BOTH sides of an issue, the introduction must INTRODUCE BOTH SIDES of the issue as well!

Introducing…A-T-T A - ATTENTION-GETTER Concrete image(s) that grab the reader’s attention and draw them immediately into the topic. For a discursive essay, you will likely need TWO of these, one (+) and one (-). This establishes your case that there are two ways of looking at the topic. T - TRANSITION TO TOPIC Connect the opening image(s) with the topic of the prompt. T - THESIS STATEMENT The main idea of your essay; always indicates that there are two sides to the issue; may set limits to the essay by identifying themes for topic exploration.

The 6 -Sentence-ish Approach to A-T-T! 2 Sentences…… to establish an introductory image in favor of the prompt 2 Sentences…… to establish an opening image against the prompt 1 Sentence……. to establish a connection between (and transition between!) the attention-getting images and the prompt’s topic 1 Sentence…… to indicate the main idea, or thesis statement, of the essay.

(A) Label the introductory images that reflect the two sides of the issue. Then label the Transition to Topic (T), and the Thesis (T). As a result of America’s rapidly increasing obesity rate, Army leaders at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, have agreed to take a different approach to physical-training for new recruits since most applicants are not as healthy as they used to be. Instead of traditional sit-ups and crunches, trainers are pursuing yoga and pilates routines, a decision that will likely have a greater impact on soldier preparation and fitness long-term. Meanwhile, park rangers at various national parks across the nation can’t seem to agree with the actions of modern hikers and adventure seekers; these individuals are abusing cell phone technology while in the wilderness, which negates the purpose of “getting back to nature. ” Though arguments can be uncomfortable, they are often a necessary means to an end. Depending on the gravity of the situation then, arguments can be a healthy way to find an effective solution, but such conflict can also lead to further adversity.

Do arguments ever settle anything? As a result of America’s rapidly increasing obesity rate, Army (+) leaders at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, have agreed to take a different approach to physical-training for new recruits since most applicants are not as healthy as they used to be. Instead of traditional sit-ups and crunches, trainers are pursuing yoga (-) and pilates routines, a decision that will likely have a greater impact on soldier preparation and fitness long-term. Meanwhile, park rangers at various national parks across the nation can’t seem to agree with the actions of modern hikers and adventure seekers; these individuals are abusing cell phone technology while in the wilderness, which negates the purpose of “getting back to nature. ” Though arguments can be Balanced/ Neutral Thesis uncomfortable, they are often a necessary means to an end. Depending on the gravity of the situation then, arguments can be a healthy way to find an effective solution, but such conflict can also lead to further adversity. Transition to Topic

Is technology a blessing or a curse? In our modern society, especially in developed nations like the United States, technology is gaining momentum because of its accessibility and convenience. Companies like Apple are finding new ways to make our global reach both cost effective and more efficient by creating devices like the “smart” phone. However, while technology may be moving some fields forward, this same innovation pushes culture and tradition backward. Modern innovation has inspired construction booms in places like Mecca, the religious epicenter of the Muslim faith; these renovations overshadow the core values of a sacred region. Therefore, technology can have positive effects when it seeks to enhance communication, but it does just the opposite when attempting to improve traditional culture.

Is technology a blessing or a curse? (+) Balanced/ Neutral Thesis In our modern society, especially in developed nations like the United States, technology is gaining momentum because of its accessibility and convenience. Companies like Apple are finding new ways to make our global reach both cost effective and more efficient by creating devices like the “smart” phone. However, while technology may be moving some fields forward, this same innovation pushes culture and tradition backward. Modern innovation has inspired construction booms in places like Mecca, the religious epicenter of the Muslim faith; these renovations overshadow the core values of a sacred region. Therefore, technology can have positive effects when it seeks to enhance communication, but it does just the opposite when attempting to improve traditional culture. Topic (-)

TASK: (1) Break down the prompt below, (2) brainstorm it discursively, then (3) write an introductory paragraph for it using the strategies you’ve learned. SHOULD EVERY COUNTRY HAVE THE RIGHT TO POSSESS WEAPONS OF WAR?