Overview: The journal activity in this course is private between you and the instructor. However, you will be discussing your work with your topic in future discussions with your peers. This week, you spent some time reflecting on persuasion in your everyday life, and you shared some potential topic ideas with your peers and instructor. But why is persuasion so important? Let’s think about that a little bit in this journal assignment. 

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: 

1. After exploring the Opposing Viewpoints Database and reviewing your brainstorming activity, identify two issues that are related to your career or degree: 

a. Write a fully developed paragraph for issue one (5–8 sentences).

 i. Explain at least two clear arguable sides to the issue. 

ii. Explain how the issue relates to your field or degree, or your potential field or degree.

 b. Write a fully developed paragraph for issue two (5–8 sentences). 

i. Explain at least two clear arguable sides to the issue.

 ii. Explain how the issue relates to your field or degree, or your potential field or degree. 

2. After exploring the arguments related to your issues, take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Then, briefly reflect (in 1 to 2 paragraphs) on the importance of persuasion for the issue you are most likely to write about. Be specific in your assignment; this information will help guide you as you work on your project in the coming weeks.

 a. Identify which side you might argue if you plan to pursue this issue in your final persuasive essay.

 b. Identify your potential audience and why your topic would be relevant to them.