Essay prompt:

Instructions: ​In the space provided, write your answers to the following questions. ​Please
number your answers and add a blank space between each answer.
1) Which of the introductory strategies described in ​JTC ​does the marijuana essay use in its
introduction? Name one specific strategy and show me where you see it being used in this
editorial (this will require a quotation).
2) If you were peer reviewing the Prop 57 editorial, name one piece of advice you would give
the author to improve this introduction. Again, citing ​JTC​or the UNC readings should improve
your score here.
3) Which editorial's thesis is more effective? Cite at least one specific reason from ​JTC ​or the
Thesis Machine for your answer.
4) Which of the strategies described in ​JTC ​does the Prop 57 editorial use in its conclusion?
Name one specific strategy and show me where you see it being used in this editorial (this will
require a quotation).

Your response:
1. The marijuana essay uses the introductory strategy that JTC calls 'establish the context'. The
writer of the editorial introduces the topic of the debate on recreational marijuana use by
providing the readers with a background of marijuana and why there is a debate over it. The
author starts by giving a background of marijuana, and how it is "intended to be used as a
psychoactive drug, as well as for medicinal purposes". This introductory strategy provides the
readers with insight about the topic and gives them a good foundation to build off of.

2. If I were peer reviewing the Prop 57 editorial, one piece of advice I would give the author is to
more closely follow the guidelines Palmquist describes in JTC. The introduction bounces from
talking about the presidential candidates, to prop 57, then political party affiliation. By picking an
introductory strategy stated in JTC, for example 'state your thesis', the author could "get right to
[the] main point" and address what Proposition 57 is about. Doing this would narrow the scope
of the introduction so it is better suited to the rest of the editorial.

3. I believe the marijuana thesis is more effective because the thesis statement is very clear,
concise, and it naturally flows in the introduction. The marijuana thesis also follows some
guidelines from Sheridan Baker's Thesis Machine by using a qualification: "​Even though​ there
are many who believe that marijuana is a dangerous drug, California should legalize the use of
recreational marijuana because it will generate taxes and reduce the over-aggressive
enforcement of marijuana laws".

4. The Prop 57 editorial uses the conclusion strategy JTC calls 'speculate about the future'. The
author states various outcomes of voting "yes" on prop 57, including "Americans will save tax
money, reduce overcrowding prison, nonviolent offenders will be released on parole and
juvenile will not be trial as adults".