Argument Essay Outline and Rough Draft:
Question/Topic: Was it appropriate for Martin Luther King, Jr., to hold the 1963 Birmingham March protest, which led to his jailing?
Your Task: Closely read the first 21 paragraphs of Letter from Birmingham Jail and write a source-based
argument on the topic below. Then, answer whether or not Martin Luther King, Jr., should have held this protest, defending why by using evidence from his letter (required), the Letter from the Clergymen (required), the Time Magazine article, or 1963 Birmingham Events Timeline (these 2 are not required, but may enhance your writing). Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from the texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize the text.
Guidelines: Be sure to: Establish your claim regarding whether or not the march was appropriate
Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims (counter-claim)
Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from the texts to develop your argument
Identify each source that you reference by text number and paragraph or page number (for example:
Text 1, paragraph 20 or Text 1, page 3)
Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner and maintain a formal style of writing
Follow the conventions of standard written English
Texts:
Text 1 Martin Luther King, Jr.s Letter from Birmingham Jail (required — must use this one)
Text 2 — Time Magazine article (optional)
Text 3 — 1963 Birmingham Events Timeline (optional)
Text 4 — Letter from the Clergymen (required, use in counter-claim)
