Assignment: Persuasive Essay

Over the course of the semester we’ve examined a number of popular trends in American eating, the most prominent of which is organic eating. As we have seen, people are adopting it for a variety of practical and philosophical reasons. But to fully embrace it often means adhering to a strict behavioral code. Altering purchasing habits, knowing food’s origins, and spending more money are just a few of the requirements of true organic eating. Even so, many organic eaters swear by its positive attributes, and point to benefits ranging from the personal to the global. Still, others are not convinced that eating organically makes a significant enough difference, personally or otherwise. For this assignment, you must argue for OR against the merits of eating organic foods, either processed or unprocessed. In a clear and concise persuasive essay, argue why adopting organic eating is—or is not—worth the effort. Cite specific evidence from the essays we read to support your argument.

Us the following articles in your argument:

• “Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?” from The Mayo Clinic
• “All You Can’t Eat” by Crystal Allen from Metro Silicon Valley 
• “Organic Food is No Healthier, Study Finds” by Ben Hirschler from Reuters
• “Feast of Burden” by Sara Deseren from 7x7 
• “Is Local Food Really Miles Better?” by Roberta Kwok from Salon
• “Organicize Me” by Michael A. Stusser from Seattle Weekly 
• “Don't Write Off Organic Food” by Molly Conisbee from The Daily Telegraph 
• “Is Organic Food Marketing Hype?” from Newsweek

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum

The best papers will:

• Have a concise thesis with a clear argument (for or against organic eating)
• Utilize rhetorical techniques in order to convince readers of their position
• Support their thesis with solid evidence organized in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due: Email to dhdelao@gmail.com on Friday, July 15th by midnight