At Issue: Structures/Elements of Argument Answers

Article: "An Immigrant Writes"
by Arnold Shwarzenegger

1. What is this essay's thesis? Restate it in your own words.
"We can have an immigration policy that both strengthens our borders and welcomes immigrants." The immigration policy should include more security on our borders as well as welcoming immigrants instead of kicking them out
2. List the three arguments that the writer presents as evidence to support his thesis.
- To secure the borders, 12 million people would have to be deported, costing $230 billion.
- After 9/11, the border security is at a greater need than before.
- A mere fence or wall will not stop someone who really wants to cross over them.
3. Summarize the opposing arguments that the writer identifies. Then, summarize the writer's refutations of these arguments.
- Immigration is a theory only talked about on talk shows and Capitol Hill.
  = Immigration is an issue all around us, with immigrants walking around with us in schools, hospitals and workplaces. 
- "In a free society it is not possible to have border security"
  = It would cost too much ($230 billion) and too many (12 million) to secure the borders.
- There was less security before 9/11.
  = Since then the borders are in great need of security, and the federal government needs to provide the help to do it.
- Sound bites, symbolic gestures, walls, and fences are a secure border.
  = No man/woman who is determined to cross will be stopped by these.
- It is a felony to cross the border.
  = 12 million working immigrants and others unemployed do not deserve to be punished for trying to make a living.
- There should be no interference in other countries.
   = If we help the economic growth of other countries there will be greater security in our own.
4. Restate the essay's concluding statement in your own words.
Although it may be difficult, it is Congress should be kind to the immigrants as well as control our borders.

Article: "In Praise of Tap Water"
New York Times


1. Restate the editorial's thesis in your own words.
People should rethink the effect of all the use of water bottles is having on the environment.
2. List the arguments the writer uses in paragraphs 1-3 to support the thesis.
- The recommended amount of bottled water a person should drink in a year costs $1,400, while the same amount of tap water costs 49 cents.
- The amount of fuel it takes to make and transport the water is very bad for the environment.
- If more people don't support tap water, we may lose it.
3. Restate the editorial's concluding statement.
The planet will make a real turnaround when the consumers turn to tap.
4. Do you think that the writer considers enough arguments against his position? Can you think of others? Try to refute each of these opposing arguments.
The author could use a couple more arguments to refute against. The fact that water bottles are more convenient is definitely a big issue for people. But what people need to understand that sometimes convenience needs to be given up for the health of the planet. Some argue that more water companies are putting tap in their water. This still doesn't eliminate the buildup of waste from the un-recycled water bottles.
5. Paragraph 5 does not present arguments in support of or against the writer's position. What is the purpose of this paragraph?
The purpose of this paragraph is to show the progress that this issue has achieved, no matter how small it is. It shows people that they can contribute as well.