common ground

identify where two (or three) authors who appear to be on different sides of an issue can actually agree. Your essay should basically do the following: (1) explain what each of the pro/con essays is arguing, (2) explain why the two sides disagree, (3) identify how the two authors agree (this is the common ground).

For this essay assignment, youre going to pick a set of pro/con essays about any subject of interest to you. Each essay that you read will be arguing a different side of the issue: one essay will argue the pro side, while the other essay will argue the con side.

Your essay should basically do the following: (1) explain to readers what each of the pro/con essays is arguing, (2) explain why the two authors disagree, and (3) identify how the two authors agree (this is the common ground).

Essay Structure
Your introduction needs a good overview of the issue discussed, and an overview of each authors argument.
Introduce each author and be sure to give his/her credentials.
Introduce the name(s) of the publication(s), as well.
Your thesis is simple: you need to signal to the reader that the essay will discuss both opposing arguments. For example: While it doesnt seem like these authors cant agree on anything, finding common ground is still possible.
Identify points of two (2) disagreement and two (2) points of common ground.
Use quotes and paraphrases in this essay.
Conduct a probing analysis of the two (or three) essays you have just introduced: Why do the authors disagree, and on what common grounds do they agree?
Be fair and impartial in your presentation: (1) represent ALL sides of the debate accurately; (2) do not take a position on the issue; (3) avoid judging either sides argument; (4) discuss each authors position equally, evenly, and fairly.