I am going to be writing a persuasive essay on the quote, "A closed mind is like a closed book: a block of wood" is true. I am also meant to try to respond to a counter argument that could be made against the quote. But,
(sorry about the skip) But, I cannot think of a counter argument against the quote.
There is a counter-argument made just the other day by President-elect Trump. He says he does not need to learn via daily national security briefings. He already knows because he's smart. Can you think of any other counter-arguments about why learning new things is not necessary?
If the people and information around you are evil and poisonous, a closed mind may help keep your integrity. Think about Nazi Germany. Most good people went along with the Nazi evil and kept their minds open to new (and disastrous) ideas. A few people kept their minds closed and retained their morals and integrity.
Another reason to resist new information or knowledge is that it might disprove something we already believe to be true. That makes people feel uncomfortable. A relative of mine believes that President Obama is a Muslim and was born in Kenya. Neither is true, and has been disproved, but he dislikes President Obama (which is okay), and will cling to anything that proves he's correct in his dislike. He has very good reasons to reject new information.
that helps me understand the topic you are trying to address in your persuasive essay. Your thesis statement seems to be focused on arguing that having a closed mind is similar to having a closed book, and both can be compared to a block of wood. Additionally, you requested assistance in responding to a potential counter-argument.
To write your persuasive essay effectively, I would suggest following these steps:
1. Introduction:
- Introduce the quote and provide some background information about it.
- Clearly state your thesis, which should express your opinion on whether a closed mind is similar to a closed book and can be likened to a block of wood.
2. Body Paragraphs:
- Each body paragraph should contain a well-developed and evidence-based argument supporting your thesis.
- Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that presents a new argument or aspect of the comparison.
- Support your arguments with examples, evidence, and logical reasoning. You can use personal experiences, real-life examples, historical events, or expert opinions to back up your points.
- Make sure to explain the analogy between a closed mind and a closed book, as well as why both can be seen as similar to a block of wood.
- Use transitional words and phrases to smoothly connect your ideas and help the reader follow your line of reasoning.
3. Counter-Argument:
- After presenting your arguments, it is important to acknowledge and address a counter-argument. This will strengthen your essay by showing that you have considered multiple perspectives.
- Think about potential counter-arguments people might have against your thesis. In this case, a counter-argument might be that closed-mindedness can sometimes be a positive trait, as it allows individuals to focus on their goals without distractions or unnecessary influences.
- Respond to the counter-argument by providing evidence or reasoning to weaken its validity. You could argue that closed-mindedness may limit personal growth, hinder dialogue and understanding, and impede progress or creativity.
4. Conclusion:
- Summarize your main points and reinforce your thesis statement.
- Conclude with a thought-provoking final statement that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.
Remember to back up your arguments with credible sources, compelling evidence, and logical reasoning throughout the essay. Additionally, ensure that your essay is well-organized, coherent, and free from grammatical errors.
Good luck with your persuasive essay! If you need further assistance or have any more questions, feel free to ask.