Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Reading for Meaning” small writing exercise

Assignment: Write a single page journal entry in order to create meanings for Estrada’s argument to stop using Native American names for sports teams.

Start Making Meaning: Begin by restating what you think is the most or least convincing part of Estrada’s argument, and briefly explain why you think so. Continue by writing about anything else in the essay, or in your experience, that contributes to your understanding of Estrada’s argument. As you write, you may want to reread parts of the essay and add further notes.

If you have trouble thinking about what else to add, consider writing about:

  • the apparent contradiction between Estrada’s assumption that naming a sports team the Redskins was originally intended to be admiring and not disparaging, and his assertion in the next sentence that “ultimately, the practice of using a people as mascots is dehumanizing” (paragraph 4).
  • the term “political correctness” (paragraph 6)—what you think it means and how Estrada’s argument relates to it.
  • the power of words to hurt, especially words that make people feel different or inferior—perhaps related to your own experience of being called demeaning names.
  • a question you would like to ask Estrada, an addition you would make to his argument, or an alternative position for which you would argue (serious replies only, please).

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Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Defining the Issue” analysis exercise

  1. Reread paragraphs 1and 2, where Estrada introduces the issue, and list any words that suggest why he begins his argument by telling his Dallas readers about his childhood in Baltimore.

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  1. The, reread paragraph 5, where Estrada describes the events at the World Series that “reignited the debate.” Look closely at his description of the television images and list any words that might lead readers to take his argument seriously.

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  1. Two-Part assignment: Describe how Estrada defines the issue. Specifically, consider how he uses personal reminiscence and shared television images to raise concern about the issue. (a) Quote any words he uses that seem likely to have an impact on readers. Then (b) add a few sentences evaluation how successfully Estrada defines the issue and how well he prepares readers for his argument.

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Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Asserting a Clear, Unequivocal Position” analysis exercise

  1. Where is the first place Estrada explicitly asserts his position? Your answer must include the paragraph number and the number(s) of the line(s).

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  1. What line(s) in paragraphs 3, 4, 9, and 13 restate the thesis?

Paragraph 3______

Paragraph 4______

Paragraph 9______

Paragraph 13______

  1. Three-Part Assignment: Explain what you have learned about how Estrada states and restates his position. (a) Describe the different contexts in which he restates the thesis and how the wording changes. (b) Cite examples from the readings. (c) Then, speculate about the possible reasons for reasserting a thesis so often in a brief essay like this.

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Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Arguing Directly for the Position” analysis exercise

  1. Reread paragraphs 11-13, where Estrada develops his finalreason for opposing the use of Native American names for sports teams. Concerning this final reason, find the first place where Estrada explicitly asserts his reason and list the sentence number(s) that state the topic sentence of this part of his argument.

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  1. Two-Part Assignment: To see how Estrada argues by analogy, (a) list the three sports team names he facetiously proposes in paragraphs 11 and 12 and (b) compare/contrast them to the teams in paragraphs 2 through 4 named after Native Americans.

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  1. Explain how persuasive you find his analogies in paragraphs 11 and 12 (serious replies only, please).

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  1. Why do you think some readers would find the argument in this part of the essay compelling and other readers would not (serious replies only, please.)?

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Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Counter-Arguing Objections and Opposing Arguments” analysis exercise

  1. Reread paragraph 6 where Estrada presents the argument of those who disagree with his position. Write the words he uses to characterize the opposing argument.

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  1. Examine paragraphs 7 and 8 and explain how Estrada counter-argues. For example, notice his use of the words “real” to describe the anecdote (paragraph 8) and “genuine” to describe the kinds of insensitivity that, in his opinion, should not be overlooked (paragraph 7).

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  1. Explain how well the anecdote supports his point, particularly why the anecdote might appeal to his Dallas Morning News readers.

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Name______Hour_____ Due Date______

A Guide to Reading Position Arguments

“Establishing Credibility” analysis exercise

  1. Look back at the entire essay. In what passages does Estrada seem to lack credibility?

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  1. In what passages does Estrada seem especially trustworthy?

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  1. What seems to be the dominant tone of this essay? Explain your answer.

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  1. Consider language, information, and other elements in the essay. Explain how they contribute to your judgment of Estrada’s credibility.

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