PROMPT: Using one the episodes of 30 Days
and the chapter/outline on Rogerian Argument as
models, write an essay exploring your chosen topic. In your essay, you should objectively investigate both sides of the issue, using quotations and examples from the episode you watched. You should also articulate any common ground that the participants of the episode
reached (or if they didn’t reach common ground, areas where there were clear missed opportunities). Your thesis should state an argument that is not necessarily “sided,” but rather one that proposes a solution or a place of compromise given the two opposing sides.
This essay must demonstrate Rogerian elements; be sure to include:

•The problem (provide a brief explanation in the introduction) and an overall goal
that the two opposing sides might have (your main argument and thesis).
•A neutral and in-depth explanation of the first position including support/evidence,
and description of the context in which it is indeed valid.
•A neutral and in-depth explanation of the second
position, including
support/evidence, and description of the context in which it is valid.
•An analysis of the “common ground” of the two positions (as seen in the episode, or
places you feel that compromise could be reached)
•A conclusion Note: each of the above bullet points
is a section of the paper and may require more than
one paragraph. However, the bullet points above provide a general way to outline your
essay. That is, in your essay, the first few body paragraphs should be all about one side [neutrally] and the second set of body paragraphs relate to the other side [neutrally]. Then, your last (set of) body paragraph(s) can discuss the common ground.