Argument Analysis

ENG 112 Marsh

Essay 2

Within the articles “The Case for Reality TV” and “I’m a Culture Critic…Get Me Out of Here!”, authors Michael Hirschorn and James Wolcott take very different positions on the significance of reality television on society. It is important to note that both, in essence, evaluate reality television through different lenses and come to different conclusions based on experience and research.

For this essay, you will need to side with either Hirschorn or Wolcott and argue why a particular reality television show contributes positively to, or is a detriment to, today’s television landscape. That is, you will need to view your select show through the eyes of one of these authors and evaluate it using the criteria they describe within their article.

Though it is not quite clear within the articles, you must anticipate counterarguments and discuss them within your essay. Counterarguments should not come at the end. Rather, place them beside your arguments to add strength to your claims. It would also help your argument greatly if you could find a source that is in opposition to your claims.

Sources: You must include a minimum of 3 sources within this essay. These sources should be scholarly – journal articles, magazine articles, books, websites ending in .edu; .gov; .org; etc. A good place to start would be the library and its resources (both online and physically). You may also include information from the two articles discussed in class, but must not rely heavily on them. A separate Works Cited page must be attached to this essay.

Blacklist: You may not use any of the “Real Housewives” shows or “Jersey Shore.” Choose a show that you know contains the criteria that makes up a reality television show and one that you can analyze thoroughly. Remember, this is an evaluation, thus use the information you have learned these past few weeks. Also, use the two articles by Hirschorn and Wolcott as models.

Length: Min. 3.5 pages. Max. 6 pages.