Paper 3: Common Ground Approach to H.R. 109

6-8 Pages

We’ve read essays where writers reflect on their own places, and make arguments about the necessity for and integrity of connections found in those spaces/places. We’re also looking at HR 109, titled “Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal,” which is the newest piece of writing of all the writing in this unit. It’s important to understand that this is not proposed legislation; rather it is seeking support of recognition of concerns, and arguing that some kind(s) of legislation should be created to address the concerns and achieve other goals.

In this paper, you will:

• Use the Rogerian argument’s model to find common ground between different perspectives, and present your own argument to bring different sides together with a balanced perspective.
• Here are possible approaches to this essay:
  • You are an elected representative in the U.S. House, and want to “work across the aisle” by proposing an idea that you think could/should be supported by a majority.
  • Identify various points of view regarding this, and propose common ground between those points of view.
  • Make an argument for a provision or set of provisions you’d like to see in possible legislation that comes from this resolution, and explain how it/those speak to the concerns and goals outlined in the resolution.

To do that, you will:

1. In your essay, first, introduce the problem.
2. Acknowledge various sides. This may take several paragraphs.
3. Next, you should carefully present your side of the issue in a way that does not dismiss the other side(s). This may also take several paragraphs.
4. You should then work to bring the two sides together. Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for the middle ground here, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone. This should be a key focus of your essay and may take several paragraphs.
5. Finally, in your conclusion, remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the/a middle.

After your paper and works cited references, write a reflection where you detail your writing process for this paper, specific things you think are working well in the paper, and any challenges you had, as well as asking a question or directing me to something you’re concerned about.

Your paper should:

• Provide an introductory paragraph that presents an idea and puts it in context.
• Have a thesis statement that makes the purpose of the paper clear.
• Be Organized/have a Structure advancing that thesis in at least 6 body paragraphs before concluding.
• Summarize, paraphrase, and quote sources as needed to support your points.
• Make sure to properly cite all your sources both in text and in a Work Cited page at the end of your paper according to MLA format.
• Be mindful of grammar and mechanics in your writing.

To submit, click on the big blue button to the top right. Please make sure to follow these formatting guidelines:

All papers are to be in 12 pt, Times New Roman or Cambria font, double spaced, standard margins and in .doc or .docx or PDF format. These are academic standards—and, most likely, the default settings on your computer, so don’t mess with them. Citations are to be in MLA format.