Essay 3: Persuasive Essay

First, read the following article, which criticizes the basic argument about disadvantages presented in "David & Goliath:"

"The Underdogs Guru" by Tina Rosenberg (The Atlantic) - you will need to be logged in with your CCC account to access this link.

The author of the Atlantic article writes: "Many successful entrepreneurs, we learn from David and Goliath, are dyslexic and felt stupid growing up. But they didn’t quit or lose confidence. They struggled, developing compensatory strategies that spurred them onward. In the same vein, Gladwell reports that a disproportionate number of eminent people—including British prime ministers and American presidents—lost a parent in childhood. It’s yet more grist for the romantic view that early wounds beget winners. Except when they don’t: as Gladwell notes, almost in passing, prisoners are also far more likely than the general population to have suffered that blow as children." (Rosenberg)

Essay Prompt: In "David & Goliath," Malcolm Gladwell suggests that disadvantages might actually serve as advantages, and help people become successful. What do you think? Are disadvantages actually advantages in disguise? Write a persuasive essay arguing for, or against, the main idea in "David & Goliath." Discuss specific examples from the book in your essay.

Parameters:
• 3-4 pages in length (5 well-developed paragraphs of 5-7 sentences each)
• Discuss at least 3 specific examples from the text.
• When discussing an example, use an in-text citation.
• Grading: ENG 098 Essay Rubric