For today's class, you will be creating an argument about whether or not the government should allow people receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use those funds to purchase certain foods deemed to be "junk food." You will work in a group to get an argument together, researching the issue, strategizing an approach, constructing the argument, and finding grounds and backing. You will then participate in a class debate on the issue.
Here are the sources you will be using to start out. Please read the Charles Lane op-ed piece first, then follow the links to the other articles he references. Try to find support for your position from these four sources.
In preparing your argument, make sure you have carefully thought out your strategy to appeal to your audience (which is, of course, your classmates), then think through your claim, stated reason(s), warrant(s), grounds, and backing. Consider the conditions of rebuttal land consider whether any qualifiers are necessary to limit the force of your claim. Think through the ethos, pathos, and logos that will make your argument most effective.
You will be assigned a pro or con position randomly. Please keep in mind that none of us have any idea whether anyone in class currently or has ever received government food assistance. In your remarks on the issue, you should assume that someone has, and maintain a respectful tone. That will best serve to build ethos, too!