Question

Before You Begin
Examine the Prompt

Before you begin any writing assignment, look closely at the prompt and determine what information you have been asked to find. You may want to make a checklist that includes the subject, a list of requirements, and any open-ended questions the prompt expects you to answer. The prompt for this question can be found at the bottom of this page.

You are going to complete a research essay. There are two different types of research papers: argumentative and analytical. For this essay, you will be writing an argumentative research paper. This means that you will need to investigate the topic, collect and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic. A good argumentative research paper requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the paper’s purpose. The purpose of your research paper will be to compare and contrast the speeches made by Kennedy and Reagan in Berlin, while also looking at the effects each had. You will need to determine which speech you believe was more effective and gather evidence to back up your stance.

Every argument has at least two sides. These sides are called claim and counterclaim. Argument prompts force you to pick a side. The side that you pick is called the claim. Your claim should contain the strongest facts to defend your opinion.

The counterclaim will explain the reasons why you feel those people who disagree with your claim are wrong. The counterclaim will offer several details, aiming to prove the opposition’s belief to be flawed. The counter claim will point out what you perceive as mistaken assumptions that the other side might hold. By the end of the counter claim, your claim will seem like the best possible answer.

Directions
The first place to start in writing an essay is to research. You will need the internet or your local library to research the above material on the speeches. You will find that sites like the Miller Center and Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library can help you in your research. Once you have found the speeches, take notes on them.
Review each speech and find several key sentences vital to the speech at large. You will notice that each hopes to change the thinking about government policies. However, they take a different approach. Your notes should include:
the central claim of each speech
specific words that support the central claims
the tone of the speech
any word or idea that is repeated (it may help for you to define it)