Name:       Date:      

ARGUMENT

Feathered Friend
Arthur C. Clarke

An argument about a literary piece, like a short story, is a kind of writing that persuades
others to agree with your ideas about the story. To present your argument, first analyze
the literary piece. Then, if necessary, do research to develop your ideas further. Write a
thesis statement that reflects the main idea of your argument. Support your thesis with
reasons and evidence. The evidence can be from your research about the topic or from
quotations within the literary piece. Remember to cite your sources. Conclude your
argument with an effective closing statement.

DIRECTIONS: First, analyze the short story “Feathered Friend” to describe the space
station and its researchers. Consider whether or not the characters relied too much on
technology and not enough on their own knowledge. Next, do research to find out about
the relationship between people and technology on a real space station. Then, complete
the outline below to help you organize your thoughts. Use reasons and evidence from the
short story and from your research about space stations to support your ideas.

I. Thesis Statement:
     
     

II. Reasons and Evidence to Support Thesis:

(include page numbers and/or quotations from the story)

A. Reason 1:      

1. Evidence:      

2. Evidence:      

B. Reason 2:      

1. Evidence:      

2. Evidence:      

III. Conclusion:
     

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