If you agree with the main premise, find an argument that the writer DOESN'T use to support his/ her premise. (That step in particularly easy if you do the Singleton essay.) State and develop that argument. Your downshift might look like the following: State the author's main idea, develop it, state your supporting argument, and then develop with details you may have culled from research on the Internet.
If you agree with a supporting argument, note that the writer(s) don't do an adequate job of providing evidence and supporting detail. Do that job for him/ them. Your downshift might look like the following: State the author's supporting argument, develop it, and then give supporting evidence and detail that the author does not provide.
Note: The paragraph should not simply summarize. You are trying to develop the writers' arguments, not repeat them. Repeat only as much as you need to to get to your own supporting detail.
I realize you may disagree with both essays. Force yourself to find evidence for its position anyway. We're learning to argue (in the best sense of the word). Sometimes, you will write academic essays that state a thesis contrary to your own position. Successful essays go with the best evidence available.
Please post the paragraph by Tuesday at 5 PM.
