Over the spring 2016 semester I got the chance to take composition with Stephen Burns.

During his course there were five papers that we wrote. The five papers were classified as
Ceremonial argument, Rhetorical analysis, Proposal argument, Causal argument, and Rogerian
argument. The Ceremonial argument is an argument where someone blames or praises a person,
subject, or thing. The Rhetorical analysis is an argument where you discuss things about a
picture, video, or paper. The Proposal argument is an argument where you proposal an idea and
explain why it should be put in effect and why it would work. The Causal argument is an
argument where you talk about the cause and effects of things. For example, if someone goes to a
school and shoots a bunch of people (mass murder) the effect from that is an increase on gun
laws. Lastly, the Rogerian argument is an argument where someone meditates between two or
more people to come to an agreement. With all five papers the common theme are the
Amendments. The Ceremonial argument, Rhetorical analysis, and Rogerian argument all reflect
the First Amendment stating:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The Ceremonial argument is freedom of speech because tattoos are one's identity,
accomplishments, family and loved ones, and a permanent way to express themselves. The
Rhetorical analysis is freedom of press because it is over the Presidential election about Rand
Paul and the changes he wants to make. Then the Rogerian argument is also freedom of speech
because the therapist is talking to Aspen and her parents about Aspens drug abuse and she is free
to say anything she wants. The Proposal and Causal arguments all reflect the Second
Amendment stating:
A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Both of these papers talk about how the government is slowly taking away citizens right
to bear arms. They also talk about the way the government reacts to security by eliminating the
possibility of people to protect themselves.
All five papers I wrote were designed to make people think about the United States. To
think about how we view each other and how we treat those who are different. To think before
you react to a situation because no matter the situation someone will always be hurt because no
one thinks about all parties involved. The government makes laws to protect people but out of
fear they make it hard for people to protect one another. To think why people do they things they
do, what did I do to hurt them, and how can I fix what I have done to them. With all of these
papers I wanted to show people how they can make a difference by showing them the truth in
things that have happened.