Writing Assessment (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Writing Assessment Page 2

“release” form that must be signed. Quite plainly, any release form signed by a minor

only is not valid.

Main point: “Health issue.”

Pro—Parents are responsible for the health of their children. Parents can be put in jail

for failing to protect the health of their children. Because of this important

responsibility and its legal ramifications, parents must be given the right to know if a

child will be undergoing a medical procedure. Society cannot hold a parent

responsible and yet not give the parent the means (required parental notification) to

carry out that responsibility.

Main point: “Special cases.”

Con—There are times when parental notification can harm rather than help the teen.

There must be an exception, clearly specified and easily activated, for youngsters who

find themselves the victims of abuse and/or incest.

Main point: “Rights”

Pro and Con—Clearly there are competing rights in this controversy. However, the

strongest claim (absent any extenuating circumstances) belongs to the parents.

Audience: Although Savannah is in the Bible Belt, it is not a typical Southern town.

With five universities, two major military installations and America’s sixth largest port,

Savannah is cosmopolitan and middle-of-the-road when it comes to social issues. Thus,

my letter to the editor must concede my opponent’s main points and allow for exceptions.

Writing Assessment Page 2