Claiming an Education

In “Claiming an Education” by Adrienne Rich, and “Learning to Read and Write,” by Frederick Douglass, both authors imply that there is a value to education that reaches beyond its vocational application (beyond how it helps individuals get jobs). Which writer’s argument is more persuasive on this topic? Compare and analyze the strategies used by each other to support your argument, making sure to connect the rhetoric to the content. As you analyze the arguments and persuasive strategies of both writers, be sure to employ synthesis in the structure of your essay as well, integrating both works into each main point.

Your essay should include a thesis statement that directly, accurately, and specifically responds to the prompt. Your paper should be carefully organized: main ideas should be put forth in a logical order and paragraphs should be guided by topic sentences that support the central thesis. You will need to explain your points thoroughly, support your arguments with specific evidence from the text, and analyze the quotes and examples that you use. Your paper should be carefully proofread for word choice, sentence sense and variety, and grammatical errors.

The Articles:
http://www.yorku.ca/cvandaal/files/ClaimingAnEducation.pdf

https://sites.tufts.edu/alquestaeng2spring2018/files/2018/01/22Learning-to-Read-and-Write22-by-Frederick-Douglass.pdf