Writer's Choice Grade 10

Adlai Stevenson's Cat Bill Veto

Introduction
Adlai Stevenson was the Governor of Illinois when he wrote this classic argument against Senate Bill No. 93, known as the Cat Bill, in 1949. Stevenson followed the model for effective persuasive writing and, in so doing, convincingly explained his position so that his veto remained unchallenged.

Destination: Springfield College in Illinois
English 111: Comp/Rhet.
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Directions Click on the link above to access the text of the Cat Bill veto. Then answer the following questions.

1.		What is Stevenson's main point?
2.		Is Stevenson's opinion mainly supported by facts, statistics, observations, or a combination? Why do you think he chose this type of evidence? Is this evidence effective? Why or why not?
3.		What possible effect or effects does Stevenson imagine if this bill becomes law? What is the effect of this line of reasoning in his argument?
4.		What is your reaction to Stevenson's argument?