In this activity, you'll be writing an argumentative speech about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D. C. Is it an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans? Write a short answer to each question.
1. After reading a bit about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial controversy, what are your first impressions?

2. Now that you've read all the articles about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, do you think the Memorial Wall is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans? Turn your position into a strong, focused claim. Make sure that you've written your claim as fact.

3. Now it's time to figure out the basic components of your introduction.

Fill out the bulleted list below:
Attention grabber:

Preview of your topic:

Strong, focused claim:

4. Write down the three main points you'll develop in each of your body paragraphs.

5. Write down the reasons you need to prove in your speech and the evidence that will support those points.

6. Jot down some counterclaims to your claim that you noticed as you read through the articles.

7. Write a rebuttal for each counterclaim written under question 6.

8. Make an outline of the basic elements of your three body paragraphs.

9. Map out the components of your conclusion using the bulleted list below.

Revisit your purpose:

Restate your claim and summarize your main points:

Leave your reader with something to think about: