COM103 Discourse: Critique & Evaluation

Read the article entitled “Top Arguments Against Homeschoolingâ€Â (https://www.knowswhy.com/top-arguments-against-homeschooling/) by Wendy Garcia on this topic, and write a critique of the text, incorporating the following: 1. An introductory paragraph that identifies the writer’s thesis (using your own words as far as possible). This can consist of a few short sentences, or a single all-encompassing sentence that encapsulates the writer’s reason and conclusion. 2. Your introductory paragraph should also contain a summary of the writer’s arguments. You should state these briefly, enumerating them using signals such as firstly, secondly, etc. You need to state whether you agree or disagree with the writer’s viewpoint on the issue, and provide brief reasons for your stand. 3. Your own assertions about the ideas and issues in the writer’s article, supported by your own arguments and evidence drawn from at least three external resources, which agree or disagree with specific points in the reading. This incorporates and synthesises the views of others into your writing. Naturally, your critique will be more robust if you cite more resources. Please recognise ONE agreement point and THREE disagreement points. You should present the writer’s claim, reasons, evidence and assumptions. Develop your position and assertions pertaining to the key issues using the concession and refutation process. 4. A paragraph recognising the overall strengths and weaknesses of the writer’s arguments based on your evaluation in Question 1(c). Please provide ONE area of strength and ONE area of weakness in the main article. You should also suggest how the writer could make his/her arguments more convincing. 5. A concluding paragraph that sums up your main points and gives a sense of cohesion to the whole essay. You should state briefly the flaws of the writer’s arguments and reiterate your stance.