What question or topic from our readings and/or class discussions
are you planning  to write about? Try to find a passage from one of our
readings that stakes out a different position from yours on
this topic. Please be as specific as possible and feel free to
copy-and-paste quotes (doesn’t count towards your word count
though). Write a paragraph in which you play the believing game
with this passage: try to make it the argument as strong and
believable as possible, even though you’re not sure you agree with it.
OPTIONAL: Now write a paragraph in which you play the doubting
game, seeking out the difficulties and problems in this position 

Format: Regardless of genre, all pieces should be at least 1200 words and
should engage with at least two class readings. Include MLA format citations
and a Works Cited page for these references in the written manuscript. (If
you’re giving a speech, it’s not necessary to read the references, but they
should be included in writing.)

Genre: You have five choices here. Our readings have shown that deep thinking
can happen in a lot of different genres. I encourage you to take on the format
that most appeals to you.
A. Essay: intelligent but not stuffy. Examples: Thoreau, Russell,
Gandhi.
B. Dialogue: create characters, set the scene, have them talk through
ideas together. Example: Plato.
C. Open Letter: written for a public audience, much like the essay, but
with an intimacy of address. Example: King.
D. Narrative and Commentary: begins with a story, then unfolds the
significance of that story for understanding an idea (or begins as an
essay and ends with a story). Examples: Thoreau, Russell.
E. Speech: like the open letter, but written to be read aloud, submitted
as a recording alongside manuscript. Example: Malcolm X.