Assignment: Write a three-to-five page argument that persuades an audience to accept your explanation of the causes (or consequences) of a trend, event, or other phenomenon. Examine alternative hypotheses or opposing views and explain your reasons for rejecting them.
Criteria:
- original topic
- effective introduction
- introducing your unexpected or surprising cause and arguing for it
- identifying every link in the causal chain
- using various methods of establishing causal links
- effectiveness of refuting opposing views
- solidity and persuasiveness of argument
- impact of the illustrative examples presented