Tuesday, October 27, 2015

I need to write an argumentative essay on whether the government is ever justified in withholding information from its citizens. I need help with...

Your thesis statement makes an arguable claim that offers a unique way of thinking about the topic. First, identify the problem, which is the controversy over the government withholding information from its citizens.


Second, state your claim. One way to present a thesis that is thoughtful and nuanced is to use an "Although" statement. You might say "Although citizens have the right to know about the activities of their elected government, certain situations require that...

Your thesis statement makes an arguable claim that offers a unique way of thinking about the topic. First, identify the problem, which is the controversy over the government withholding information from its citizens.


Second, state your claim. One way to present a thesis that is thoughtful and nuanced is to use an "Although" statement. You might say "Although citizens have the right to know about the activities of their elected government, certain situations require that the government withhold information for the sake of national security."


Third, explain exactly what you mean by "national security" and identify specific situations in which withholding information would be justified. Explain why the cost of releasing information would outweigh the benefits. For example, are there situations in which releasing information to citizens would also allow terrorists to access that information, which would put citizens in danger?


Fourth, consider counter arguments and respond to them. For example, should the government withhold information in order to prevent citizens from protesting, which could lead to a revolution? At what point does government protection become government oppression?

No comments:

Post a Comment

Is Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre a feminist novel?

Feminism advocates that social, political, and all other rights should be equal between men and women. Bronte's Jane Eyre discusses many...