Ashford 3: – Week 2 – Discussion 1
Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.
Building   an Argument
Prepare
As you prepare to write your      first discussion for this week, take a few moments to do the following: 
Watch Models of Non-Fiction Writing: Presenting an Argument in the AU Library’s Films on       Demand database
Watch Evidence in Argument: Critical Thinking in the AU Library’s Films on       Demand database
Review last week’s       supplemental, “An Introduction to Argument”
Review the grading rubric for this discussion
Reflect
Before drafting your initial      post, take time to reflect on the structure of a successful argument.      Think about the structure of an argument and how it may relate to your      paper. Decide what approach will be best suited to your specific argument.
Write (due Thursday, Day 3)
In 200 to 300 words, present a      plan for the argument you will be presenting in your paper. In a few      sentences each, identify and explain the following items for your specific      argument: 
Ethos, pathos, and logos
Thesis statement (the paper’s       position)
At least two claims
At least two counterarguments       and plans for rebuttal
Questions or concerns       regarding the development of your argument
Guided Response (due Monday, Day 7)
In 125 to 200 words each,      respond to at least two classmates. In each response, address all      questions and concerns with clear and concise information and advice.      Then, analyze your classmate’s proposed argument structure and describe      why the argument seems valid. If the argument is not valid, identify      errors or omissions and provide suggestions for improvement.