Prompt Break Down Practice

Instructions: In pairs, follow the steps from the video as you break down the prompts linked in canvas. Return to the
“GOE Argument Prompt Break Down Example”page for specifics on each step.

Prompt 1: 2015 (Polite Speech)

STEPS INFORMATION
Step 1: The Springboard Positions:
● Friendly phrases communicate politeness
● Friendly phrases communicate intent
Assumptions:
● When you say a friendly phrase, you are trying to be a nice person
● Friendly phrases are a habit for most people
● The function of polite speech is to start a conversation

Step 2: Initial Thoughts Positions:

● Friendly phrases communicate politeness (+)
● Friendly phrases communicate intent (+/-)
Assumptions:
● When you say a friendly phrase, you are trying to be a nice person (+)
● Friendly phrases are a habit for most people (-)
● The function of polite speech is to start a conversation (+/-)

Step 3: The Command Argue a position on the value or function of polite speech.

Step 4: The Conquer Question Command: Argue a position on the value or function of polite speech.

Conquer: What is my position on the value or function of polite speech? How

should polite speech be used?

Step 5: The Initial Reaction The function of polite speech is to communicate that you are being polite, and that
you may want to start a conversation.

Prompt 2: 2018 (Value of the Unknown)

STEPS INFORMATION
Step 1: The Springboard Perspectives - The author's perspective is of a woman in the mid-1900's. She was an
aviator so her biggest unknown was breaking into a male lead industry. Not to say
that isn't still a struggle for women today but because of women like her, it's less
unknown. The unknown of our day, for my generations women, is whether or not we
can craft a space for ourselves and not try and force a fit. Making the playing field
more equal is out unknown.

Step 2: Initial Thoughts
Step 3: The Command
Step 4: The Conquer Question
Step 5: The The Initial
Reaction
STEPS
Step 1: The Springboard
Step 2: Initial Thoughts
Position - The author argues the position that human beings tend not to choose the
unknown when that is where we find the most enrichment. On the contrary, I think
it's human nature to explore the unknown and we get taught by experience or
otherwise not to. The value more lays in the process of breaking a learnt fear of the
unknown than venturing into it.
"We tend not to choose the unknown" - disagree
Our roadblocks are a fear of disappointment or difficulty with coping - agree
The unknown comes with disappointment - agree
It's surprises are the most enriching - somewhat agree. If the argument is that we only
find enrichment when our ventures go well I disagree. There is enrichment in failure
Argue a position on the value of exploring the unknown.
Is the act of exploration of the unknown where the most value lies.
There can be great discoveries when exploring the unknown but the process of
readying yourself for the challenge is where the most value lies.
Prompt 3: 2021 (Perfection)
INFORMATION
Positions
1. Want themselves to be perfect
2. Expect others to be perfect
3. Perfection is not achievable
Perspectives
1. Perfection is not desired
2. Perfection is deeply desired
3. Perfection is seen as necessary to success
Assumptions
1. Perfection creates expectations that are challenging to live up to
2. Different people have different opinions on perfection.
3. Perfection is not making any mistakes taking up time
Positions
1. +
2. -
3. -
Perspectives
1. -
2. +/-
3. +/-
 Assumptions
1. +
2. +/-
3. +/-

Step 3: The Command Argue a position on the value of striving for perfection

Step 4: The Conquer Question To what extent does perfection have value?

Step 5: The The Initial Striving for perfection is beneficial as long as it does not harm a person's physical
Reaction and mental health.