Outline assignment

Student’s Name

Dr. Sue Kuykendall

ESL 101-002

20 Mar. 2014

Outline

I. Introduction paragraph

A. Context

B. Position Statement: Even though some students feel that a liberal arts education is a waste of time, it actually is a great benefit to all students. General studies courses are the ones that help students to develop flexible minds, giving them the ability to deal with all the difficulties that they will encounter in life.

II. Information about the issue

A. Definition and history of liberal arts

B. What courses count as general studies (history, literature, philosophy, math, science, political science):

III. Arguments for the position

A. Positive effects of flexible minds

1. Not being emotional but logical

2. Able to think creatively

3. Able to adapt to new situations

B. Examples of life situations that benefit from this ability

1. Voting and analyzing politicians’ speeches

2. Negotiating conflicts with family members

3. Understanding world events

4. Managing money

IV. Counterarguments

A. Opposition: Some people may feel/believe/think . . .

B. Concession: It is true that/It is reasonable that/It is understandable that they feel this way because . . .

C. Refutation: However, (misunderstanding, outdated, based on faulty data, correct but unethical)

V. Conclusion

Works Cited

Pracz, Alyssa. “General Education Courses Are a Waste of Time and Money.” Northern Star. Northern Star Online, 13 Apr. 2011. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Tiefenthaler, Jill. “The Value of a Liberal-Arts Education.” Hechinger Report. Teachers College at Columbia University, 10 Apr. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.