Arguementative Text: CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

TASK:
Mahatma Gandhi said, It is my conviction that nothing enduring can be built on violence. He
also stated, An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
On the other hand, Nelson Mandela who was the leader of African National Congresss (ANC),
and was charged for planning violent attacks and attempting to throw the state by violent
means said the following at his trail:
I and some colleagues came to the conclusion that as violence in this country was inevitable;
it would be wrong and unrealistic for African leaders to continue preaching peace and nonviolence at a time when the government met our peaceful demands with force. It was only
when all else had failed, when all channels of peaceful protest had been barred to us, that
the decision was made to embark on violent forms of political struggle. - Statement by
Nelson Mandela at the opening of his defense in the Rivonia treason trial, April 20, 1964.

Sometimes it is necessary to resort to violence to achieve your goals Write

an argumentative text where you discuss this statement. Include what you have
learnt about The Civil Rights Movement in class this year.
Use the content from the videos shown in class and texts like: Mississippi Burning (movie), Text The

Road to Freedom-Three Key Figures (from Passage), Ruby Bridges, Coming of Age in Mississippi by
Anne Moody, Langston Huges: A Dream Deferred (poem), From Slavery to Civil Rights ndla.no, From

Jaspreet Kaur Gloppen

BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/civil_rights_america_03.shtml, Mandela: Long walk to

freedom (Movie), From Slavery to Civil Rights ndla.no, Rosa Parks etc.

CRITERIA FOR AN ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT

Your text will be assessed by the following criteria:
Content:

1) Needs to be relevant.
2)

Topic should be explored extensively.

3) There should be a clear thesis statement within the introductory

paragraph.
4) Thesis statement needs to be debatable. It should not be too broad or
general. It should also be an opinion.
5)

Ideas/arguments need to be well argued and well developed.

6) Your arguments need to be strong and convincing.

7) You need to present both sides of an issue.
8) Use quotes/examples from various sources (texts, movies) to support
your ideas/arguments.
9)
Structure of the
text
Paragraph
Structure
Linking Words

Sources need to be referenced properly both within and after the text.

Language Use:
Vocabulary

1) There should be a clear introduction and a marked conclusion.

2) Discussion paragraphs should have different ideas/arguments.
You need to use topical and conclusive sentences for each discussion
paragraph.
You need to use varied Linking words to create flow in the text and combine
sentences. Use the hand-out you got in class or click here.
Vocabulary needs to be varied and nuanced. You need to be able to convey
your ideas using fewer words.

Language Use:
Style

Needs to be formal. Avoid using contracted forms like its, Im and slang
etc.

Language Use:
Types of
Sentences

Try to write long and complex sentences using linking words. Vary between
simple, compound and complex sentences.

Language Use:
Grammar, Usage

-You need to use the correct rules of grammar.

-Make sure your language is idiomatically correct i.e. use expressions specific
to the English language. For example: I fell in love.
-Avoid translating directly from Norwegian like It was written on the sign.

Word-Limit
Use of personal
pronouns

Minimum 700 words

You need to avoid using the personal pronoun I.

Jaspreet Kaur Gloppen

Jaspreet Kaur Gloppen