Persuasive/Argument Writing Tasks

Essay 1 "Sanctity of Rights," by Elizabeth Klueger


Rhetoric/Structure

1.    How would you describe the tone of Klueger's essay?  Find word choices and phrases that indicate her tone.

2.    List Klueger's most important reasons why same-sex marriage should be allowed.

3.    Klueger repeats phrases "free and fair" and "fair and just."  What is the effect of this repetition?  To what values does Klueger seek to appeal by using those phrases?


Critical Thinking

4.    Klueger uses a quote by Thomas Jefferson in paragraph 7.  Explain Jefferson's statement and show how his analogy could be applied not only to same-sex marriage, but to other social classes as well.

5.    Do you find Klueger's argument convincing?  Why or why not?