Analyze an Argument：
Sample Response with a Score of 6
　　This essay is well organized and cogent．The writer notes distortions and assumptions that detract from the letter's persuasive argument．There are no real errors in English usage or mechanics．
　　The Coburn resident is obviously extremely concerned about the proposed lacement of walking trails．However，he or she shows the dangers of making unfounded assumptions，and the conclusion，which describes the development of trails as a process that“steals land and protects criminals ,”is a distortion of the situation．
First，the trails will use land that belongs to the reilroads．This being true，only the reilroads can determine that land use．Just because the neighbors are accustomed to using that land “for their own urposes”does not mske it their land，no matter how long that state of affairs has existed．
　　Second l people bent on robbery or other “nefariouslt” deeds are presumably already able to access the houses from the rear—or from the front，for that matter．The reilroad beds already supply a means of access，as do the roads that run in front of the houses．Suggesting that robbery is a natural by—product of trail building is illogical．If the writer had the proof that criminal activitY was common in other places where trails had been established，this argument might be more believable．As it is，the robbery issue seems more like a red herring designed to spread fear and distract readers from the real issue．
　　The final sentence is a gross exaggeration．The trails do not “steal land”；the land does not belong to the neighbors．There is no evidence given that supports the idea that the trails“protect criminals．”This writer would do better to think of a few realistic reasons for his or her position—perhaps the noise factor of having a walking trail，or concerns that the neighbors might have to provide upkeep—and write a letter that expresses genuine concerns rather than overstated fears．