Assignment 29: Argument: The Relationship Between Optimism and Pessimism

Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States, discussed the interplay between optimism and pessimism in a 2021 Time magazine interview. She stated: “Optimism shouldn’t be seen as opposed to pessimism, but in conversation with it. Your optimism will never be as powerful as it is in that exact moment when you want to give it up.” Definitions: Optimism is a tendency to view things in a positive light; pessimism is a tendency to view things in a negative light.

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Gorman’s claim about the relationship between optimism and pessimism is valid.

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.

• Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.

• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.

• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Gorman’s claim about the relationship between optimism and pessimism is valid.