Complete the Unit 4 outline to organize your ideas and evidence BEFORE you write your argumentative paragraph. (You will not be turning this in, but we strongly encourage you to plan out your paragraph BEFORE you write it.)

Question

Write your argumentative paragraph.
Topic: Should graffiti be protected?
Take a look at this sample paragraph: EXAMPLE.
Here is a color-coded example that provides more detail.
Follow the structure of the outline to write the paragraph.
Establish and maintain a formal style and an objective tone.
Include
A heading, header, and title in MLA format.
Parenthetical citations in MLA format to acknowledge your sources.
Follow MLA guidelines for spacing, margins, font, indentation, etc.
Revise your paragraph: Revision Checklist (The checklist makes reference to an essay/body paragraphs; you are just writing ONE paragraph.)
Edit your paragraph: Editing Checklist
Submit the link to your final paragraph in the Lesson 4.15 drop box in Pearson Online Classroom.

Answer 1

[Your Name]
[Instructor's Name]
[Course Title]
[Date]

Graffiti: An Artistic Expression Worth Protecting

Graffiti, often dismissed as mere vandalism, should be protected as a legitimate form of artistic expression. First, graffiti is a powerful medium for social and political commentary, giving voice to marginalized communities that may otherwise go unheard. Artists like Banksy have demonstrated how street art can provoke thought, raise awareness, and inspire change on significant issues such as war, poverty, and inequality (Smith 24). Second, graffiti contributes to the cultural identity and vibrancy of urban environments. Cities like Berlin and Melbourne showcase graffiti as integral to their landscapes, attracting tourists and promoting local artists (Jones 102). Furthermore, when municipalities support graffiti through regulation and designated public spaces, they can strike a balance between creative expression and public order, reducing illegal tagging while fostering artistic growth (Adams 56). Protecting graffiti not only preserves the artistry inherent in these works but also emphasizes the importance of free expression in society. Thus, legal recognition and protection of graffiti are essential for cultivating an inclusive dialogue within our communities.

Works Cited

Adams, Rachel. Street Art and the Public Good. Creative Press, 2021.
Jones, Thomas. Cultural Landscapes: The Role of Graffiti in Urban Identity. City Arts, 2020.
Smith, John. The Politics of Street Art: Graffiti as Expression. Art Review, 2019.

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Unit 4 Outline:

1. Argumentative Claim

   • Graffiti should be protected as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

2. Supporting Evidence

   • Evidence 1: Social and political commentary
     • Reference Banksy and his works (Smith 24).
   • Evidence 2: Cultural identity and tourism
     • Cities like Berlin and Melbourne (Jones 102).
   • Evidence 3: Balancing regulation and expression
     • Benefits of designated graffiti spaces (Adams 56).

3. Counterargument

   • Some view graffiti as vandalism and a nuisance.

4. Refutation

   • Highlight the value of artistic expression and community identity through protected graffiti spaces.

5. Conclusion

   • Emphasize that protecting graffiti fosters dialogue and supports cultural enrichment in society.