Wollestoncraft on National Education

Shannon Adcock

Unit 3

LSTD 1243

June 2, 2010

Wollstonecraft on National Education

Mary Wollstonecraft discusses her convictions regarding private school education versus public schooling in a portion from A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Through her use of metaphors, poetic language, and illustrations she puts forth her ethical argument that boys and girls should be educated in public schools and should not be segregated in the classroom. Wollstonecraft states her opinion by using various literary techniques that capture your attention and draws you into her mind. At the beginning of her argument she reminds readers that when children are brought up in a society of adults, such as the environment of a private school, they are prematurely brought into manhood and their childhood imaginations that grow the mind are stifled (Wollstonecraft chap. 12 par. 1). She clearly sums up her ethical argument so the reader is not left doubting her estimations. Wollstonecraft states very early that she believes in order to educate young boys and girls properly they must me mixed together to study identical subjects (chap. 12 par.1). Wollstonecraft makes her opinions obvious and the reader is not left guessing about her judgments. She goes on to express her concerns that the infrastructure and teaching styles of private education is not conducive to the teaching of children. She also states that the incorporation of religion in private school is also responsible for the degradation of children’s minds. Wollstonecraft also explicates that, “Half the employment of the youths is to elude the necessity of attending public worship; and well they may, for such a constant repetition of the same thing must be a very irksome restraint on their natural vivacity” (chap. 12 par. 10). It is easy to understand that she believes this constant boring schedule of attending to religious duties makes the children resent such activities instead of taking joy in them. The parents and deans of the private schools have set up these religious rituals to help foster a delight for God in children but are instead creating a habit of monotony that becomes tiresome. In one section Wollstonecraft bravely points out that she had once favored private education. Yet through experience she explains that she is led to form a new opinion on the subject. This gives the doubting reader a moment of pause to empathize with her and allows them to pause and possibly reconsider their own opinions. Allowing the reader to identify with her is not only clever but it is also necessary to allow someone with a dissenting opinion to re-evaluate their stance. Wollstonecraft’s primary focus is in regards to the private education in relation to females but she does not fail to address the consequences to the opposite sex. She explains that, “I have dwelt most on such as are particularly relative to the female world, because I think the female world oppressed” (chap. 12 par. 86). Wollstonecraft reasons that women are the first instructors of kids and when not allowed to form their own individuality their deficiencies are placed on the children (chap. 12 par. 81). Her ethical argument is not only clear to understand but she backs up her opinions with examples and reasoned explanations. A crucial part of Wollstonecraft’s argument is the ability to allow the reader to sympathize with her. The use of poetic language engages the reader and gives them pause to consider her argument. Wollstonecraft’s style not only engrosses the reader but also lends her ethical argument credibility. After reading this passage I was able to go online and look up statistics that show mixing genders in a public school actually improves grades (Tel Aviv University). While I do see the advantages of private school, Wollstonecraft properly addresses these concerns and is very effective in convincing her reader.

Works Cited

Tel Aviv University. "Keep Boys And Girls Together In The Classroom To Optimize Learning, Research Suggests." ScienceDaily 14 April 2008. 2 June 2010 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411150856.htm>.

Wollstonecraft, Mary. "Bartelby." Chap. XII. Wollstonecraft, Mary. 1972 The Rights of Woman. Bartelby, n.d. Web. 2 Jun 2010. <http://www.bartleby.com/144/12.html>.

Going too far: Oklahoma's Abortion Debate

Shannon Adcock

Unit 3 Issue

LSTD 1243

June 1, 2010

Going too far: Oklahoma’s Abortion Debate

For my unit 3 paper I chose to write about some of the new measures on abortion that has been introduced to the Oklahoma Legislature. Some of this legislation includes questionnaires that women who are seeking abortions are asked to fill out. These invasive questionnaires are then submitted and posted online. The explanation given for this measure is that these new statistics will help form new policies for the state of Oklahoma to help women explore options other than abortion. Another measure would require women seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound along with a detailed explanation of the fetus. Doctors would not be required to provide information on any kind of physical defects to the mother in the hopes of preventing an abortion due to a disability. The physician would be released from all legal liabilities if the mother decided to sue. There are no exemptions for cases of rape or incest. The Oklahoma Legislature has also introduced a bill that would require women to purchase additional insurance to cover abortions. Private insurance companies would no longer be required to cover abortions. These measures are dangerous to the citizens of Oklahoma and only seek to impart morality on the public. The legislators have no plan on how to implement new policies to help educate women about their options to help prevent abortions. These lengthy surveys only seek to invade a women’s privacy and create more mental stress. I chose to write about this issue not only because I feel it is important but also to educate myself on these different measures. These laws will have a negative impact on women as well as physicians and it is imperative that we as citizens of the state of Oklahoma take the time to learn more about these measures.

Going too far: Oklahoma’s Abortion Debate

When you hear any mention of abortion strong feelings and emotions may come to mind. Most people have an opinion on this issue especially here in the state of Oklahoma. Some believe that abortion is wrong because of their religious convictions while others believe that it is a choice that should be available to every woman. Of course there are those that may be in the middle, only considering abortion in cases of rape or incest. Yet no matter what the opinion of any individual in Oklahoma, abortion is legal in this state. A woman can undergo this procedure performed by any licensed physician before the first trimester (unless approved by a hospital after this time period), however partial birth abortion is illegal ("Learn About the Law"). Recently House Bill 3284 was introduced by the House of Representatives in the state of Oklahoma. This bill would allow additional statistical data to be gathered from mothers seeking an abortion in order to help make public policy decisions in the future (Peterson). While some are calling this an invasion of privacy others explain that it will protect lives. Yet finding agreement between two polar opposite opinions has only resulted in heated arguments and anger. No matter what you believe about abortion, you must decide if this law is constitutional or ethical. Many personal beliefs that a particular society holds, often becomes integrated into the laws. These laws provide protections and justice for the innocent citizens. This law does not stop abortion; it only requires that the physician submit a questionnaire to every woman requesting an abortion, all of which are posted online (Lohr). While this law does not outlaw this procedure it is being created in the hopes that these clearly invasive questions will prevent women from having abortions. While this may be the hope of many pro-life activists, this law would be detrimental to the state of Oklahoma.

Since 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade, abortion has been legal in all 50 states, including Oklahoma ("Touro Law"). This new law requires physicians to either give or mail these questionnaires to their patients. These questionnaires include inquiries concerning why the female is seeking an abortion. Some of the information gathered includes the age, sex, education, and financial status of the patient ("Conference Committee Substitute"). The answers to these questions are said to be used to help formulate future public policy. State Representative Pam Peterson (R) of Tulsa explains that, "If we truly want to reduce the number of abortions, we need really learn why women feel that abortion is their only option” (Peterson). It seems as though many proponents of this law say that they believe that this law will better serve women. Their reasoning is that with this newly gathered information, the reasons why women elect to have abortions will be discovered and the state can work on developing alternative solutions to help reduce the number of abortions. What I fail to understand is why such an invasive questionnaire is necessary to begin implementing programs, education, or services, that may help reduce the number of abortions in the state of Oklahoma. Providing more funding to help educate women on unprotected sex or adoption information as well as resources available to parents with children can be done without adding a new law. Another measure, house bill 2780, would also require physicians to perform an ultrasound and provide a detailed description of the fetus to the mother before performing an abortion ("Fox News"). This bill would not have exemptions for women that are the victims of incest or rape. They would still be required to undergo an ultrasound. It is unconscionable to imagine anyone having to undergo any medical test or procedure, such as an ultrasound, without their consent. And who will pay for these ultrasounds? The women that are paying through their own private insurance will be responsible for payment and may result in indeterminable consequences because of the patient’s inability to pay. An Oklahoma county judge has granted a temporary restraining order until July 19th since the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a suit to stop this measure from taking effect (Murphy, 2010).

The cost of this bill is also a matter of concern. The state of Oklahoma is currently facing a budget crisis and this type of unethical bill will only add to the deficit. The bill will cost an estimated $281,285 during the first year and $256,285 in subsequent years (Hoberock). I believe that if the interest of women is really at the heart of these bills, then this type of funding could instead be spent on various types of programs to help educate and inform women. Also, failure by physicians to submit these questionnaires within 30 days will result in a $500 fine or a misdemeanor (“Conference Committee Substitute). And when the statistics from these questionnaires are gathered what type of public policies will be created as a result? No planning or forethought has gone into what course of action will be taken as a result. It seems as though these bills only seek to discourage women from seeking an abortion. Since abortion is legal in this state and will remain so, this bill is only creating legislation that imposes someone else’s morality on another. Even though you may believe strongly that abortion is wrong, this bill sets a standard for states having the right to interfere with your moral conscience. While these particular laws may appeal to your moral convictions, you must consider that one day your personal beliefs may be challenged through this type of legislation. It is easy to ignore the constitutionality or validity of a bill when it agrees with your views but it is imperative that we realize the consequences.

In the state of Oklahoma, performing an abortion based solely on the gender of the fetus is illegal and this bill is also aimed at preventing women from undergoing an abortion due to the fetus having a disability. In fact, this measure would also restrict women from receiving damages if their doctor fails to provide or omits information about the fetus (Talley). Most abortions are done in the very early stages of pregnancy when an ultrasound can only accurately be performed vaginally (Talley). It is horrific to imagine that politicians can force a woman to undergo such a procedure that may cause her great mental or physical trauma. These types of decisions should only be made my physicians and their patients. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, who unsuccessfully vetoed both abortion bills, explained that, “State policymakers should never mandate that a citizen be forced to undergo any medical procedure against his or her will. To do so amounts to an unconstitutional invasion of privacy" (Talley). This law would allow doctors to lie to patients leaving them without any legal recourse. Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life any measure that will allow a physician to knowingly lie or mislead a patient cannot be allowed.

House bill 3290, which would ban insurance companies from covering elective abortions, was also recently vetoed by the Governor (Ertelt). This will severely limit a patient’s health care options. A common concern among the pro-life community is that tax dollars may be spent on providing abortions. The logic that insurance premiums paid by individuals are just like tax dollars and this money is used to pay for medical expenses, which would result in pro-life individuals being forced to pay for abortion procedures. This logic fails since insurance premiums are simply not tax dollars. Based on this reasoning, the majority of health insurance policy holders should have the right to decide what they deem to be a necessary medical expense. This measure takes the choice out of the hands of women and their doctors, the very thing that so many who are pro-life feel threatened by with the new federal health care bill presented by Obama. For a group of people who insisted that the government being involved in health care would bring about its end, they appear far beyond driven to insert themselves between a woman and her doctor.

I do not suggest that you change your stance on abortion; I only propose that you consider the implications that these types of bills will have on the state of Oklahoma. While this bill may not affect you personally, these kinds of bills threaten our constitution as well as our civil rights. You may be strongly pro-life but the type of legislation that allows doctors to lie to patients, forces individuals to undergo unwanted medical procedures, and fill out invasive questionnaires, is not helpful to anyone in the state of Oklahoma. Giving the legislature the power to legislate morality may seem fine while you agree, but what if your personal convictions ended up on the wrong side of a bill? I urge you, no matter what side of the moral debate you fall on, to contact the Oklahoma legislature and let them know that this is not these are not the type of measures we need. It seems that many politicians would have you to believe that these bills are simply a question of pro-life or pro-choice. Here in Oklahoma the overwhelming majority of the population consider themselves to be pro-life. The politicians are counting on the fact that citizens won’t take the time or effort to educate themselves on the intricacies of these bills. And yet this legislation not only has consequences for the citizens today, it also has unforetold costs for the future. These bills threaten the rights of patients and physicians and Oklahomans should stand up against these measures.















Works Cited

Ertelt, S. "Oklahoma Gov Vetoes Bill to Make State Fourth to Stop Abortion in Health Care." Life News 27 May 2010: n. pag. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Hoberock, B. "Abortion Bill is Challenged." Tulsa World 30 Sep 2009: n. pag. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Lohr, Kathy. "Oklahoma Abortion Law 'Invasive,' Critics Say." National Public Radio. NPR, 17 Dec 2009. Web. 25 May 2010. .

Murphy, S. (2010, May 25). Okla. legislature overrides another abortion veto. Associated Press, Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iPIrwf4Yqy-oC7em4W1E6JFhiz2gD9FU3EK81

"Oklahoma Abortion Bill to Become Law Following Senate Override of Governor's Veto." Fox News. Associated Press, 27 Apr 2010. Web. 27 May 2010. .

"Oklahoma Abortion Laws." Learn About the Law. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2010. .

Peterson, Pam. United States. House Approves Abortion Statistics Bill. Oklahoma city:, 2010. Web. 25 May 2010. .

"Roe v. Wade." Touro Law. n.p., 2010. Web. 27 May 2010. .

State of Oklahoma. Conference Committee Substitute. Oklahoma city: State of Oklahoma, 2010. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Talley, T. "Oklahoma Legislature Poised To Enact Abortion Restrictions By Overriding Governor's Vetoes." Huffington Post 26 Apr 2010: n. pag. Web. 27 May 2010. .

Mandating Insurance Coverage for Autistic Children

The Center for Disease control estimates that 1 in 110 children in America have an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, and the number of children diagnosed has increased 57% in just four years (Rice 1-20). Almost everyone has had some experience with a child diagnosed with autism. These children reside in our communities, attend our schools, and may even be in our own family. Some states, such as Oklahoma, have individuals that are dedicated to passing mandated insurance coverage for children on the autism spectrum. They have been met with fierce opposition and have yet to succeed in getting any mandate passed in legislation. Only six states have specific laws that mandate insurance coverage for autism while 10 others have coverage for autistic individuals through mandates for the mentally ill (Kaminski). The lack of adequate health care for children with autism is a real problem in the United States and the number of families affected by this deficiency in coverage is only growing. States should mandate private insurers to provide coverage to children under 21 diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder because the expense on the individual family is too great which results in a lack of treatment, left untreated the effect on autistic children as well as society is detrimental, and this is the only way to insure that autistic children receive adequate health insurance coverage.
Many opponents of laws mandating that private insurers cover autism treatments for children argue that the cost of individual premiums will rise and would result in more families not being able to afford health insurance. These opponents often include the health insurance companies, which have an interest in retaining a high profit margin, state Chamber of Commerce’s, as well as many in the Republican Party. Also, some individuals believe that they shouldn’t be forced to pay the high cost of coverage for a child with autism even though their particular family is not affected. The increase in health insurance premiums due to mandated autism coverage varies from state to state. While the state of Virginia, that recently passed these type of mandates, has forecasted a $4.88 rise in standard monthly premiums, other estimates have been much more conservative predicting a premium increase of only one dollar ("Evaluation of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Benefits" 1-60). The average cost of covering an autistic child for one year is $36,000, which is about three to ten times the amount spent on health care for their neurobiological typical counterparts (Bouder, Spielman, and Mandell 953-957). This type of financial burden on a family can be insurmountable. Often times when parents cannot afford the treatments that their children need they are left with no options. Some low-income families can receive assistance through state insurance such as Medicaid, although many services such as applied behavior analysis, or ABA, may not be covered. Some opponents also argue that many therapies are offered through the school for free and are not based on a family’s income. Unfortunately, many autistic children rely on services that cannot be obtained at school. Early intervention is absolutely crucial to the development of children with autism. According to a report by Michael Guralnick, proper early intervention, before age 5, can reduce, and in some cases even prevent cognitive delay in children with disabilities (345-319). The increase in premiums that may result in these types of mandates would be minimal compared to the bankruptcies, stress, and lack of treatment for individual families.
I believe that autistic children who receive proper early intervention tend to be more productive members of society later on in their life. By passing mandates to cover these individuals we will be ensuring that they receive adequate and proper treatment. When autistic children receive proper treatment they have improved cognitive and behavioral skills that allow them not only to work, but also to be successful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that as soon as an autism diagnosis is suspected in a child, treatment should begin immediately ("Evaluation of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Benefits" 1-60). There is a small window of time in which treatment is found to be the most effective. Many children are missing this window of opportunity due to a lack in health insurance coverage. According to a study published in the American Journal on Mental Retardation, “when young children receive early intervention, we found that 48% of all children showed rapid learning, achieved average post treatment scores, and at age 7, were succeeding in regular education classrooms” (Sallows, and Graupner 438-417). With laws that mandate private insurers to cover these types of services, autistic children will be guaranteed to receive these treatments that evidence has shown to greatly improve functioning. With the cases of autism only rising in the United States, more and more families will find themselves struggling to afford care for their disabled children. It is also important to discuss what happens when children who do not receive adequate treatment grow up and no longer have parents to care for them. These autistic children could grow up reliant on the federal government for their care. By ensuring health insurance for them now we can give these individuals, as well as society, more hope for the future.
Some insurance companies do in fact cover autism treatments; although the caps on coverage are set so low autistic children are still left with gaps in treatment. Some families aren’t waiting for legislation to be passed. In the case of, Johns v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a family sued Blue Cross for denying their autistic child applied behavior analysis and were successful (Baldas). Blue Cross went on to include coverage of ABA to patients ages 2-5 (Baldas). In this particular case, the outcome was positive, but these types of lawsuits take time and may only impact a small segment of the country. In the meantime, these children are losing crucial time that could be spent in treatment. Opponents argue that instead of mandates legislators should be focusing on expanding existing laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and coming up with more effective programs to help treat autistic children. While this is a great idea, it is only one small step in the right direction. Opponents also argue that by allowing insurance companies to sell policies across state lines more competition would be created and that may result in more coverage for things like autism. However, selling insurance across state lines would allow an insurer to choose their regulator resulting in coverage for only the healthiest Americans ("National Association of Insurance Commissioners"). Those with illnesses would find it even more difficult to obtain insurance. Insurance companies that chose to continue serving customers with more severe illnesses would be taking on the most risk and would eventually become too costly or die out all together. Interstate policies would also guarantee that insurers would be able to sell policies without obtaining a license from the particular state that the consumer resides in and would prevent state regulators from protecting consumers ("National Association of Insurance Commissioners"). The cost of health care premiums is determined by how healthy the members are. Selling insurance across state lines would allow these insurers to exclude anyone that isn’t healthy.
Children are innocent and rely on their parents and society to care for them. If we fail to provide them with proper health care and treatment the effect will not only be on the individual and their families, but the result will have consequences to us all. If appealing to your better nature is not an adequate reason for mandates then I appeal to your common sense. Many mandates are already in place and do not necessarily increase health insurance premiums. The cost of the possible rise in monthly premiums is diminutive compared to the ability to ensure that children who have these types of disabilities are given the opportunity not only to be healthy, but also to flourish. In the spirit of full disclosure I must admit that I have a personal interest in these types of mandates being passed. My oldest son was diagnosed at 5 years old with Aspergers syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. Due to a gap in his insurance coverage he has been unable to receive applied behavior analysis. I may be emotionally biased on this subject but I also have the ability to realize the complexities in getting treatment and understanding what it is going to take to make it happen. The benefits of mandating health insurance coverage for autistic children far outweigh the risks. While insurance premiums may rise by a few extra dollars a month, this is a small price to pay to ensure that autistic children receive adequate health care coverage. If these children receive proper early intervention they will be able to contribute to our society. Without these types of mandates autistic children will lack the ability to reach their full potential. I believe that these types of mandates will eventually be passed and insurance companies will begin to cover the treatments that autistic children so desperately need, but it is up to us as a society to determine how long these children and families will have to wait.















Works Cited

Baldas, T. "Michigan Class Action Settlement on Autism Treatment Hailed as Landmark Case." National Law Journal (2009): n. pag. Web. 24 Feb 2010. .

Bouder, J., S. Spielman, and D. Mandell. "Quantifying the Impact of Autism Coverage on Private Insurance Premiums ." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 39.6 (2009): 953-957. Web. 23 Feb 2010. .

Guralnick, M. "Effectiveness of Early Intervention for Vulnerable Children: A Developmental Perspective." American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 102.4 (1998): 345-319. Web. 23 Feb 2010. .

"Interstate Health Insurance: Myth vs. Reality." National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Center for Insurance Policy Research, Web. 24 Feb 2010. .

Kaminski, J. "OLR Research Report." Insurance Coverage For Autism. 27 Dec 2006. OLR Research Report, Web. 23 Feb 2010. .

Rice, C. United States. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders --- Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Atlanta: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009. Web. 23 Feb 2010. .

Sallows, G., and T. Graupner. "Intensive Behavioral Treatment for Children With Autism: Four-Year Outcome and Predictors." American Journal on Mental Retardation 110.6 (2005): 438-417. Web. 24 Feb 2010. .

Virginia. Evaluation of Proposed Mandated Health Insurance Benefits. Richmond: Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, 2008. Web. 23 Feb 2010. .

Unit 2 blog: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

In one section of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, Mary Wollstonecraft addresses Rousseau’s ideas of a woman’s beauty and education. Wollstonecraft effectively persuades her audience by pointing out the fallacies of Rousseau’s arguments. She does this with her use of colorful and alluring vocabulary. Even if you are unfamiliar with this particular work she makes her premise very clear and lets the reader know her intentions and beliefs from the start. She begins by stating that even though you may know her opinion she feels that she must defend her position and in her own words explains that she must, “attack it in a more circumstantial manner, and make the application myself” (Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 2). Throughout the chapter Wollstonecraft includes direct quotes from Rousseau in an attempt to show the audience that she is not misquoting or deviating from his message. She follows by giving an explanation of why she disagrees. This is an excellent use of evidence and lends her argument ample credibility. At one point she quotes Rousseau as saying, “The education of women should always be relative to men” (Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 10). He is further quoted and explains that he believes that because young girls like to play dress up and that this must be the way nature has intended women to be and that as a society we should only nurture those qualities in regards to a woman’s education(Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 11). Wollstonecraft responds in a very direct manner, using powerful language, saying that Rousseau is not going back to nature but he is in fact appealing to his own “disturbed” and “crude” appetite (Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 16). Wollstonecraft uses the warrant or enthymeme that adultery could be a consequence of following Rousseau’s logic. She further backs her argument by explaining that if a woman is able to caress her husband while she should be angry, then why wouldn’t she be able to do the same when parting with a lover (Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 31). She continues to directly quote Rousseau and also persists that she wants to be consistent and give the reader an objective view. I love the way she concludes her argument by explaining that she does not hate Rousseau, but rather she explains, “I war not with his ashes, but his opinions” (Wollstonecraft chap. 5 par. 60). She also warns of the suffering and degradation of women if certain prejudices are not overcome. Wollstonecraft perfectly employs all points on the rhetoric triangle and is very persuasive by accommodating her audience and giving great reasons behind her claims. It is hard for me to imagine the attitude and behaviorism of her era but I can only imagine the courage it must have taken for her to state her opinions and beliefs. Even in today’s society women are often scorned for strongly expressing their views and are ridiculed publicly. I look forward to studying her works further.

Works Cited

Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Boston: Peter Edes

for Thomas and Andrews, 1792. Bartelby.com. Web. 23 February 2010.

Unit 2 blog: Responding to Writing Arguments

When presenting an argument I never considered using different techniques to try and win over my audience. After reading Writing arguments I have discovered many different tools that will enable me to be more persuasive to my particular audience. The rhetorical triangle helps make an argument more effective by considering three different points. You must consider the message, writer/speaker, and the audience when arguing (Ramage, John, and Johnson 75). This allows you to create a more persuasive argument that will be more productive and credible. One important point that the text explains is to understand the difference between an issue question and an information question (Ramage, John, and Johnson 77). In an argument the question is more likely going to be an issue question that offers different viewpoints and may be controversial. Another point that I found extremely useful is that you have to be careful about making certain assumptions when you are arguing. For example, if you say abortion is wrong because it kills a life, then you must understand that the opposition may not agree that a fetus is in fact a life. These kinds of unstated assumptions have been labeled enthymeme by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle (Ramage, John, and Johnson 88). Stephen Toulmin took the idea of the enthymeme further by coming up with the term warrant, which changes the enthymeme into a whole logical form (Ramage, John, and Johnson 91). I have noticed in political arguments especially, the mistake of beginning an appeal with an unstated assumption that the opposition may not necessarily agree with, therefore the argument fails immediately. Another very important part of arguing effectively is verifying the source of the evidence you use to back up your claim. Your use of evidence lends your argument credibility. Using outdated or badly sourced evidence can destroy your message. Appealing to the ethos, pathos, and logos of your audience is important but it is also essential to consider its kairos. According to the text, the kairos of an argument is, “its timing, and its appropriateness for the occasion” (Ramage, John, and Johnson 129). For example, when writing a response to an argument like a newspaper article, you only have a short time to respond in order for your appeal to have the greatest persuasiveness. Using imagery, metaphors and similes, as well as short narratives, can make an argument more compelling. It is also very useful to accommodate your audience when you are arguing. It is very easy to have a one-sided argument and not consider the objections of those who would disagree with you. If you wish to be persuasive it is essential that be willing to concede to certain opposition and to summarize and address opposing viewpoints (Ramage, John, and Johnson 149). The text goes into further detail about how to make your argument more convincing. A resemblance argument is when you compare something to another hoping that you can relocate your audience’s feeling or understanding from one thing to another (Ramage, John, and Johnson 271). I have noticed that I often use resemblance when arguing about a complex situation. My oldest son has Asperger’s syndrome and in my arguments for mandated health insurance I often use him as an example of the type of people that would be affected by the new law that I am advocating. Lastly, the text talks about the importance of understanding critical differences in sources. When doing research it is important that you look at the source with rhetorical awareness. In order to read your source rhetorically you should ask yourself two questions: “What was the source author’s purpose in writing this piece? And what might be my purpose in using this piece?” (Ramage, John, and Johnson376). It is so easy to get caught up in your argument that you start to use sources that are only convincing to those that are already convinced. Not only are understanding your source rhetorically important, but the citing and documentation of the sources you choose to use is crucial. You can use attributive tags to help shape your reader’s response to a particular source (Ramage, John, and Johnson 390). For example, if you are using a source that you agree with you can use positive words to help shape your audience’s attitude toward the source. The last chapter of the assigned reading also goes into detail about how to cite sources using MLA and APA style. I hope to incorporate many of the tools and techniques discussed in these chapters to make my writing more persuasive and confident.

Works Cited
Ramage, J., B. John, and J. Johnson. Writing Arguments A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th ed. United States: Pearson Education, Inc., 2007. 75-387. Print.