Hello,
I need two responses of at least 150 words each for the below students discussions for this week. Also in the bold below are the questions the students at answering.
Unlike the Toulmin and Rogerian methods where one side is argued over another, the Middle Ground argument mediates between two sides of an issue hopefully arriving at a compromise solution between two positions.
Please include both answers in one initial post with extra space between them.
Middle Ground Discussion: For this discussion, choose an issue that you wrote about previously in this course (either your Toulmin or Rogerian essay). Let the class know your previous claim and briefly how you proved this claim in your essay. After this brief review discussion, discuss how you would have approached this particular topic if you were to write a Middle Ground argument, instead of a Toulmin or Rogerian argument. Would you have adjusted your claim? If so, what sort of adjustment would you need? Would you have to find additional sources about your topic in order to prove this new claim? Is a middle ground solution a more practical solution to your chosen issue?
In your responses to your classmates on the Middle Ground discussion, let your classmate know which argument appears to be stronger: the original claim or the new middle ground claim. Please make sure to explain why. If you disagree with both claims, that’s fine – let your classmate know why you disagree in a bias-free manner.
Concluding Remarks: Secondly, during this course, you have read quite a few arguments, critiqued some of these arguments, and written essays using various methods of argumentation. Take a moment to consider your future courses at APUS and/or your current/future career field. How can you incorporate what you have learned into your career or education?
In your responses to your classmates on their concluding remarks, feel free to compare your approach to your classmates. You may also help students find additional ways to use argumentation/persuasion in their chosen educational/career field.

Student one:
Hello Everyone,
For this week’s forum post, I would like to write about my Toulmin Essay Assignment (1). Since I am dedicated to working in the healthcare field, particularly as a Nurse, I wrote about the importance of Certified-Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and how they are revolutionizing the field of Anesthesia. On my essay, I focused on pointing out the significance of CRNAs with a medical team compared to Anesthesiologists. These two providers administer anesthesia using the same techniques, and there is no evident difference when it comes to the outcome of the procedures involving both of these highly qualified practitioners. However, in the medical field, there is still quite some stigma surrounding the administration of anesthetics. CRNAs are often restricted with their scope of practice due to present laws requiring some states to have “physician-supervision.” CRNAs are trained to be independent providers and are the sole anesthesia provider on 2/3 of rural areas in the United States.
If I were to use the middle ground method, I would change my claim by instead of comparing and pitting these two highly respectable careers, both leading organizations representing CRNAs and MDAs (AANA – American Association of Nurse Anesthetists; AMA – American Medical Association) should instead invest on producing higher quality providers instead of quantity by training both professionals under one umbrella. Together, both can address the shortage of anesthesia providers as well as becoming the forefront advocates to our ever-soaring Opioid crisis in the nation.
Finally, I want to say that I am delighted that I’ve decided to enroll in this course. Not only did it improve my research and critical thinking skills, but it also kept me punctual throughout my busy life. Besides this course, I was also taking four other classes that are writing intensive during these eight weeks. All of my courses’ forum posts are due on a Friday, except for this class, which is every Wednesday. By having this type of deadline while taking other courses, it kept me from procrastinating. I will be taking more classes that rely heavily on writing papers (i.e., Economics, English, Political Sciences, etc.). Learning how to use the Toulmin, Rogerian, and Middle Ground Method properly will help me convey my thoughts while incorporating research on my future papers.
I hope that everyone enjoyed this course as much as I did. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Very Respectfully,
Christianel

Student two:
Hello Everyone,
For my final forum response, I’ve decided to discuss my Rogerian essay, which was a compromise on gun control. I chose this particular topic because I have been around firearms my whole life. I believe it to be a staple of American freedom, and as an NRA Life Member, I always support the Second Amendment. I do think, however, there must be some compromise to restrict firearms from criminals. With every gun crime, I feel as if those who support the Right to Bear Arms are unrightfully attacked since many of us do believe in safe and lawful firearm use.
I claimed that there is a way to prevent unnecessary gun deaths through legislation change. The first significant change I came up with was raising the minimum gun buying age to 21. I talked to many people who disagreed with me, stating, “If they’re old enough to die for their country, they should be able to buy a gun.” I do agree with that statement to a certain point, but I was not convinced of their logic. In my research, I found peer-reviewed studies which proved that most mass shootings are committed by people between fifteen and twenty years old. I consider this a “high risk” group, and statistics don’t lie.
Another claim I had was that all law enforcement agencies should have access to the violent criminal database. I have found in my research that a domestic abuser is five times more likely to kill with a firearm than any other criminal group. Law enforcement should be able to remove any guns from their residence to alleviate unnecessary death.
If I were to go back and rewrite my essay, I would not change my claim. I found my ideas for gun control actually can be a middle ground for both sides. My research provided great insight on a practical use for firearms along with detailed statistics, which made finding a common ground easy.
I enjoyed this class quite a bit. It allowed me to research some topics that are dear to me, and constructively argue my stance. It challenged me to look beyond the “talking points” on the news outlets and think of reasonable solutions. I found the Rogerian essay to lean more towards my style of writing and persuasiveness. In the future, I will use the “middle ground” to accomplish tasks at work and school when it’s practical. I have, in the past, used the Toulmin method while writing a paper on the relationship between climate change and wildfires. I just didn’t know the technical term at the time.
I enjoyed working with all of you during the past eight weeks. Good luck in pursuing your degrees and careers!
-Ryan