1984 and Now: Orwell’s Future
Writing the Rogerian Argument
Prompt
 In a thoughtful essay, examine and defend your view of
how the privacy of citizens today is being
compromised using the novel 1984 and the research you
have done as a foundation. You must incorporate sources as
well as examples from readings, research, and/or your
observations and experiences.
Rogerian Strategy
 Reject the “adversarial approach”
 Adopt a respectful, conciliatory posture
 Understand opposing viewpoints
 Begin with unbiased restatement of
opposing viewpoint
 Acknowledge the validity of differing
opinions
Structure of a Rogerian argument
Paragraph 1:Introductory paragraph that incorpor
both sides.
 Paragraph 2: Paragraph of valid concession to
opposition
 Paragraph 3,4,5: Arguments supporting your
position, review of opposition and conclusion
* Do not have a separate concluding paragraph tha
restates or begins “In conclusion”
Structure of the Rogerian Argument
 Introductory Paragraph
 Strong opening sentence followed by a summary
that references 1984 and neutral narrative of the
issue you are exploring.
 Statement of position
 Thesis that considers both sides of the issue. Write
a Complex sentence: Begin opposing side with a
subordinate clause “Although,” then state your
position in the main clause of the sentence.
(Introductory Paragraph Continue):
Opening sentence
 Do NOT BEGIN WITH A DEFINITION
 Your opening sentence should be a thoughtful hook! Lead your
reader into your essay with a thoughtfully constructed sentence.
 The nightmarish society predicted in George Orwell’s novel1984 is
not difficult to imagine today.
(Introductory Paragraph Continued)
Summary of issue
 In one or two sentences, add summarize the issue:
The nightmarish society predicted in in George Orwell’s novel1984 is not difficult to imagine
today. Just as Winston Smith, Orwell’s main character, was constantly monitored by a telescreen,
the average citizen today is under similar scrutiny. Surveillance cameras record every move,
whether one is driving a car, shopping for clothes, or entering a building. The low cost of this
technology as well as the economy of using a camera to record crimes rather than an expensive
staff leads to the appeal of this technology; however, has this invasion gone too far?
(Introductory Paragraph Continued)
Statement of position
 Take a clear position on the issue and add that sentence:
The nightmarish society predicted in in George Orwell’s
novel1984 is not difficult to imagine today. Just as Winston Smith,
Orwell’s main character, was constantly monitored by a telescreen, the
average citizen today is under similar scrutiny. Surveillance cameras
record every move, whether one is driving a car, shopping for clothes,
or entering a building. The low cost of this technology as well as the
economy of using a camera to record crimes rather than an expensive
staff leads to the appeal of this technology; however, has this invasion
gone too far?
The use of surveillance is out of control and is violating the rights of
citizens today.
(Introductory Paragraph Continued)
Add Thesis Statement
 Your “Although” statement must have two RELATED PARTS.
Don’t simple throw in a subordinate clause that has little to
do with your purpose.
 The first part should function as your concession (2nd
paragraph)
 The second should show how your are going support your
position.
Introductory Paragraph
The nightmarish society predicted in in George Orwell’s novel1984 is not difficult to imagine
today.
Just as Winston Smith, Orwell’s main character, was constantly monitored by a telescreen,
the average citizen today is under similar scrutiny. Surveillance cameras record every move,
whether one is driving a car, shopping for clothes, or entering a building. The low cost of this
technology as well as the economy of using a camera to record crimes rather than an
expensive staff leads to the appeal of this technology; however, has this invasion gone too far?
The use of surveillance is out of control and is violating the rights of citizens today. Although
surveillance cameras help curtail crime and increase the security of citizens in our society, the
secrecy compromises an individual’s basic right to privacy and if used, the citizens must be
made aware of their presence.
Paragraph of Concession
Structure of paragraph 2
 Summary of Opposing Views: Begin with a
transition from the first part of the thesis and write a
paragraph of support for the opposing side. This
paragraph ends with a statement of your position.
Your points must be valid and your argument for the opposition
strong!
Suggested transition (It is true that. . . )
Writing the concession (paragraph 2)
 Although surveillance cameras help curtail crime and
increase the security of citizens in our society, the secrecy
compromises an individual’s basic right to privacy and if
used, the citizens must be made aware of their presence.
 It is true that surveillance cameras perform a valuable
service in society in protecting businesses from crime and
providing safety and reassurance for citizens.
Concession leads to your position
It is true that surveillance cameras perform a valuable service in society in
protecting businesses from crime and providing safety and reassurance for
citizens. Most are aware of the ubiquitous presence of these devices in stores,
businesses and highways. Keeping prices in line because theft is curtailed and
roads safe are clearly beneficial to all. In fact, cameras are also making
appearances in private homes as parents rely on surveillance cameras to monitor
their infants, and homeowners use them as protection from burglaries. It appears
that this technology is acceptable, but what is the price of this security? Are
citizens perhaps too eager to give up their right to privacy? Surveillance cameras
compromise a person’s right to privacy, and are indeed, the “Big Brother” of the
twenty-first century, and the use of these devices must be regulated to prevent a
violation of a citizen’s basic rights.
Your argument
 The next few paragraphs are dedicated to explaining and
proving your position by using evidence.
 Incorporate references to your article(s), readings,
observations, experiences, etc. to prove your point!
 End your paper with a brief “nod” to your opposition, but
end with a clear, strong point. DO NOT REHASH YOUR
ARGUMENT!
Format
 MLA for in-text citations and Works Cited. You can find
references for how to do these on my website.
10 point font, double spaced, proper heading and Works Cited
page
REMINDERS
 Only use third person objective voice:
Eliminate these COMPLETELY:YOU,I, & ME!!
Title your work appropriately! The title should reflect the
content.
Proofread your paper carefully!
Do it and cry. . .
 You get rid of that second person!
 Paragraph consistently!
 Delete in my opinion, I believe that, I think
that, and so on. . .
 Delete In conclusion. . .
 How do you punctuate a letter?
 How do you punctuate a book?
 How do you punctuate an essay?