The articles on child labor in India, war in the Congo, Mexican immigration, etc., were news articles. News articles supposedly do not have a point of view; they should be objective.

In contrast, the articles for the first essay participate in the debate over globalization. Some authors argue that globalization is harmful, some that it is beneficial. Some authors claim globalization alleviates inequality; others claim the opposite. Some authors think offshoring destroys jobs, others that offshoring creates jobs.

All these articles have a thesis, the main assertion the author defends.

Examples of theses:

• Income inequality is caused by changing technology, not by globalization.
• Trade rules should be changed to provide a more equitable distribution of income.
• Globalization causes income inequality.
• Congress must end tax subsidies for companies that offshore American jobs.

Authors use arguments to support their thesis.

In Globalization Is Grrrreat!, for example, Tom G. Palmer begins with a question:

It’s common for opponents of globalization to use the term as a catchall for all the features of human life that they don’t like. I’ll use “globalization” more precisely to refer to the diminution or elimination of state-enforced restrictions on exchanges across borders and the increasingly integrated and complex global system of production and exchange that has emerged as a result. The pressing questions are what the effects of globalization actually are and whether they’re beneficial or harmful.

Palmer divides his arguments into the "Myths About Globalization" and "Benefits of Globalization." In "Myths About Globalization," Palmer refutes the arguments of the opponents of globalization.

For example, opponents of globalization argue that globalization eliminates jobs, but Palmer claims that trade policy--an aspect of globalization--does not change the number of jobs, but only changes the kinds of jobs. The opponents of globalization are wrong.

Once Palmer has refuted his opponents's arguments, he lists the "Benefits of Globalization." By refuting the arguments of his opponents, and making arguments in favor of free trade, Palmer answers his question: Globalization is more beneficial than harmful.

Read the Handout on Argument. In your own words, briefly define the following terms:



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