Your assignment this weekend is to declare your independence -- from anything you believe limits your freedoms. The key here is to make an argument for independence by following specific steps, as outlined in class:
- First, in the preamble, state WHY it has become necessary for you to declare your independence. You are arguing here that conditions are serious enough, and that you've made all possible appeals to reason. Treat it as an introduction in that you will state your topic and purpose.
- Second, you must clearly state WHAT your rights are. In other words, which freedoms have been violated?
- Third, you need to clearly state HOW those rights stated above have been violated. Provide specific details and examples to make your points stronger.
- Finally, conclude your paper with the declaration itself. This is where you summarize your argument and appeal to the audience's emotion, ethics and logic.