You are a newly-hired intern hoping to earn your dream job by showing your skills as a critical thinker and analyst. Your boss needs your help. She (or he) has been invited to attend the Allen & Co. annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, the annual conference of national leaders and thinkers. Each year, the assembled movers and shakers discuss and debate a number of public and economic policy issues, including several that were under intense debate during the last years.

Your assignment is to pick one of the issues below, research and analyze it, take a position, and then write a persuasive memo that forcefully presents your argument.

You must find at least seven current (2015-2018) sources on your topic. Some should be factual pieces. Others should be opinion articles that clearly take a side.

Use data, expert opinion, quotations, factual information—i.e. strong and varied evidence to support your argument. Understand your position – but take time to understand other points of view, too.

Consider your audience. Tone will be important. Remember that you know more about the subject than your boss. But remember, too, that she is your superior. So, don’t lecture!

***************Your argument should anticipate – and refute – an opponent’s counter-attack.