Yeah...I'm probably going to fail english class

[luvxander]

The teacher wants us to write an essay, in the Rogerian style of argument, 4-7 pages long. Mine is on the topic, Legalization of Gay Marriage.

And...it's hopeless. I wrote my first paper on that and it turned out pretty good. But this new style she sprung on us, I have no clues about. I don't even know how to start the damn paper. And, at this point, I'm ready to just except a 0 for it and let that be it.

I'm not even sure why I chose to go back to school, it's completely obvious that I have no clue what I'm doing and should have just stuck with my life in retail.

I'm going to bed now. With any luck, maybe I won't wake up tomorrow.

Comments

[winterlive.livejournal.com]

baby, i love you.

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

ILU2!! *hugs* thank you.

[traveller.livejournal.com]

1. you are fine, babe. you're fine.

2. Rogerian argument is finding compromise instead of arguing sides. there's a really good brief template on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogerian_argument

I think if you follow the four steps there, you should be totally okay. Do a draft, see how long it is, and then pad it if you need to.

*smish*

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

Actually, that link helped a LOT! I hadn't been able to find anywhere that actually explained the method before. I had to bullshit a couple of paragraphs to add some length, but it should pass muster. As long as I can get a C.

Thank you!! *hugs*

[dancetomato.livejournal.com]

Oh baby. *pets you*

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

*takes my pets and flicks tail around*

*huggles from muggles*

[silencebreaking.livejournal.com]

You are NOT giving up, or throwing in the towel, dammit. If I can do this, you can too. Don't make me come down there! :D

Seriously though, you can do this. My first two semesters back in school were killer. You've been out of school for how many years? It takes at least one semester to get back in the groove of things. Heck, I've been back in school since January 2007, and I still struggle with how to balance everything (as clearly evidenced by the fact that I am still awake at 2:30 AM when I have to be in class at 9:00 AM, almost an hour from home).

I have no personal experience with Rogerian Argument, but a quick google search gives some good basic information. When is the paper due?

The future will only eat you, if you allow it. Personally, I'd rather eat cake.

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

The first draft of the paper is due on Tuesday evening. The final draft is due Thursday evening. I would have gotten started on it much sooner, but I've had to study for 2 finals (history and psychology) and a big time math test, all scheduled to be surrounding the damned paper.

I have the basic requirements for the Rogerian paper, I just don't know how to start. First of all, it's extremely hard for me to see validity in the arguments of bigots, so I may need to change my topic away from Gay Marriage.

[bunnyohare.livejournal.com]

*kibitzes* I would strongly suggest changing your topic to something that you feel less passionate about. Pick a topic that you can see how the other side has merit and it will be a heck of a lot easier for you to write the paper.

[silencebreaking.livejournal.com]

I agree with bunnyohare. Not necessarily something you feel less passionate about, but something where you can play devils advocate and not feel as though you are selling your soul to do so.

[rubywisp.livejournal.com]

you won't fail. *lights every candle in arizona*

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

not sure if I'm going to not fail, but the paper is written and it's all in the hands of Cthulu now. *huggs*

[turnonmyheels.livejournal.com]

::holds you::

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

*hangs on tighter than tight*

[inkandchocolate.livejournal.com]

OK, first of all this is just a momentary panic setting in. You can SO do this!

All of the above suggestions are excellent - heed the wisdom of your FList, babydoll.

Pick something much less dear to your heart, as they said. You cannot argue a compromise on something you believe in so deeply.

I will be over here, fingers crossed, candles lit, and huge good thoughts wafted your way.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! ♥

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

I did it. I'm not sure how well I did it, but I did it. And I even did it without changing topics.

*huggles you*

[miniera.livejournal.com]

Stop that. You CAN do this and you will. It sounds like you have a topic and know how to use the style. Put aside your feelings about those who don't agree with you and let your own prejudices sit this one out (very hard for me to do so I understand if it's hard for you) and give it your best shot. Perfection isn't expected, just that you're learning the technique. If you get to turn in a draft first then you're half-way home. The prof will be looking to see if you listened to their critique and made changes based on that, do that and you'll be fine.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

Turns out the first draft was for peer review, the prof didn't even read it. But, I got the paper done. It's nowhere near perfect, but it's finished and it's in the correct format, so I'm counting this a win.

Thank you for the support, it was much needed. *hugs*

[betagoddess.livejournal.com]

PLEASE don't get discouraged at this point! Can you not make an appointment with your professor and discuss it, mention that you're having problems with it?

Just try to keep positive and think of the good jobs you can get with a degree. =>}

::hugs::

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

Ugh!! Trying to get her to show up on time is challenging enough, I'd hate to imagine trying to schedule an appointment.

But I got some sleep and consulted a tutor at the Writing Center on campus, and I was able to get the paper done.

Thank you. *hugs*

[betagoddess.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad you found the Writing Center and a tutor. That's great! =>}

::hugs::