Advocacy and Argument Paper

When I first began the advocacy assignment I knew instantly what I wanted to advocate: marriage rights for all. I thought that this would be one of the easier assignments. You write down what you think and why you think that. However, upon starting the process of drafting the paper I found it difficult to keep a focus and a balance.

My statement of purpose (portions copied above) reflected this inability to focus. My audience was non-specific at first (DePaul students) and it showed in my first draft (portion copied below). My peers wrote me quick notes saying that my audience shifted and at times did not exist at all. From my peer-editors notes I decided that I would have to rebuild my entire argument.

The day I decided to rebuild my argument I was also asked to write a letter to myself in the position of a person who opposes my argument. The letter (copied below) consists of reasonings why someone may not believe in the marriage of same-sex couples and helped in my process of advocating a topic but remaining respectful to my audience and others like discussed in the Compose, Design, Advocate textbook.

I recreated my entire paper with a different introduction and different intended audience (Catholic college students).I thought what I had created was better suited for the assignment but when I met with Professor Moore he was confused with why I had reconstructed the paper. He argued that the introduction to my first draft was stronger and that I should consider submitting it as the final. I disagreed and he posted both drafts on a commentary board for peers and teachers to remark on.

The commentary left on the board resulted in equal appreciation for both papers, thus more confusion ensued over which should be used as the final draft.

Final Draft Option One

Final Draft Option Two