Read through Goldwater's article, and as you do so, imagine that you are critiquing it for your first paper assignment. Keep in mind that your instructions are to critique the ARTICLE itself, not the issue or topic it discusses! You should confine yourselves to comments about Goldwater's article, not about the issues of homosexuals serving in the military, or anything else related to gay rights, or related to Goldwater's personality or history. It might be helpful if you take a look at my grading rubric attached to my syllabus, which indicates that I look at an essay's stance, focus, organization, development, and style. Those are things you would want to comment on in relation to any article you are critiquing!
As you read this article, please ask yourself (and comment on) some of these questions:
Are there examples of ethical or unethical writing practices in Goldwater's article? Be specific in pointing them out!
Does Goldwater present his opinion as his opinion, or does he masquerade it as a fact?
What does his word choice indicate about this issue? Does he choose neutral words or words with emotional connotations in order to sway his readers?
What situation does Goldwater compare the ban on gays in the military to? Does this seem like a reasonable and valid comparison?
What is Goldwater's organizational structure, and how does that affect his article?