Read and consider the following information:
Idealistic people are those who pursue great ideas in the hope of changing the world. Because their plans are often quite ambitious, these people can have difficulty accomplishing smaller, concrete goals. In contrast, practical people concentrate on workable ideas and goals. Their approach is likely to lend itself to tangible solutions, even if these people fail to envision grand ideas.
Which approach is more valuable in life: an idealistic one or a practical one? Think carefully about this question.
Write an essay stating your opinion on whether it’s better to dream big or to be realistic.
Create your line of reasoning/outline for this prompt
Be sure to include your actual claim
Be sure that you identify your pattern of development
Be sure to identify at least 3 places where you can consciously work in rhetorical devices (though you may end up using many)
I. Introduction
A. Hook: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
B. Background information about idealistic and practical people
C. Thesis statement: While practicality is necessary for day-to-day tasks and short-term goals, pursuing grand ideas and dreaming big is more valuable in life as it leads to innovation, personal growth, and the potential for positive change.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Innovation
A. Explanation of how idealistic thinking fosters innovation
B. Example of successful inventions or discoveries that originated from grand ideas
C. Rhetorical device: Metaphor - "Dreams act as the catalyst that ignites the fire of innovation within individuals."
III. Body Paragraph 2: Personal Growth
A. Assertion that chasing big dreams allows individuals to push past their comfort zones and grow
B. Discussion of how pursuing idealistic goals leads to the development of new skills and a broader perspective
C. Rhetorical device: Anecdote - Sharing a personal anecdote or a story of someone who achieved personal growth through dreaming big
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Potential for Positive Change
A. Explanation of how idealistic individuals envision a better world and strive to make it a reality
B. Example of influential leaders or movements that aimed for radical changes through grand ideas
C. Rhetorical device: Parallelism - "Dreaming big not only inspires individuals but also ignites collective aspirations for change."
V. Counterargument and rebuttal
A. Acknowledgement that practicality is vital for achieving short-term goals and daily tasks
B. Counterargument: Practicality lacks the potential for significant breakthroughs and goes against human nature's innate desire for progress and improvement
C. Rebuttal: Practicality can be combined with idealistic thinking to ensure practical steps towards achieving big dreams
VI. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis statement and summarize main points from body paragraphs
B. Final thoughts on the importance of dreaming big and making it a reality
C. Closing statement: "In a world that constantly urges us to conform to practicality, let us not forget the power of our dreams and the impact they can have on shaping a better future."