Order 724405: zeitgeist

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[Date]

Workshop 01

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

The Zeitgeist is defined as “the spirit of the times” or “the spirit of the age.”  It is the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and-or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambiance, morals, socio-cultural direction, and mood associated with an era. It is also the people who are instrumental in creating that “spirit”.

For the argumentative essay, you will answer the following question: Who should be considered the leader of the contemporary Zeitgeist? The essay you build from that argument will be structured deductively. This means you will have an introduction that engages the readers, sets the context, and delivers your thesis (the answer to the central question is your thesis); it also means that your body paragraphs will be built upon claims and provide ample cohesive support; and that your conclusion will summarize your main points, reassert the validity of your argument, and give your reader something to consider in the future.  You should also make sure that you address the opposition’s viewpoints (in this case you will have to imagine those arguments).  One way this may be done is to address them in the beginning of your body paragraphs. Another way to address them is to dedicate an entire paragraph to them (opposition’s viewpoints). No matter which method you choose, you should make sure that your argument and support against the opposition is more convincing. One way to begin thinking about your choice of a leader is to list the qualities of a strong leader and to ask yourself, which member of the zeitgeist most exemplifies those qualities? Your evidence will come primarily from the readings we’ve had this semester.

 

VOICE AND TONE

Keep in mind the argumentative paper is a formal academic paper and should use the appropriate diction. Avoid using word choices that are overly conversational.  Also, this should be written in the third person POV.  This means you should avoid using the second person (you) or first person (I).

 

STYLE

You should use the MLA style of documentation. Your sources will come from the class texts. It is not necessary to find sources outside of the class readings.