The idea of free will versus fate is something that has been discussed for

The idea of free will versus fate is something that has been discussed for centuries. Does fate determine the course of our lives? Do our choices completely determine the paths our lives take?
            To understand these questions fully, let’s examine each of these concepts:
Fate
            Fate is a concept based on the belief that your destiny has been charted before usually by some higher power or supernatural force. This destiny is unavoidable and inescapable.
When reading Macbeth, some argue that Macbeth’s fate was predetermined. The prophecy foresaw not only Macbeth becoming king, and taking the necessary steps to become king, but it also foresaw that Banquo’s descendants would become kings and not Macbeth’s. Some argue that this fate was predetermined, Macbeth’s course was set, and all of his choices had already been made.
 
Free Will
            Free will is essentially the choices an individual is given and their abilities to choose their own paths. No matter what decisions are placed in individuals’ paths, they choose their own destinies based on the choices they make. Nothing is predetermined.
            When examining Macbeth from the perspective of free will, others argue that Macbeth heard the witches’ prophecies and then, of his own free will, made the choices to kill the king and become a tyrant. His choices alone led to his demise and death.
 
            It is interesting to consider fate vs. free will in Macbeth, but it is even more interesting to think about this debate as it applies to the world around us. Whether based on religious beliefs or a belief in some sort of supernatural destiny, there are those that argue for fate and destiny in our lives, while others believe that no predetermined plan–only our own choices–shape our paths in life.
 
            Malcolm Gladwell a renowned journalist and writer, wrote a book in 2008 called Outliers. This book examines “outliers…men and women who do things that are out of the ordinary.”1 Gladwell argues that certain circumstances determine, or at least greatly influence, the success of these individuals. In our discussion of fate, we might view these “circumstances” as a form of “fate.”
            This is the rough draft of your assignment.  There is another argumentative essay later in the course so you should pay attention to the feedback you receive on this rough draft not only to improve this essay but also to help the one in Unit 8.  You will not be able to submit your final draft until you receive a grade on the rough draft.
For your argumentative essay, you will read and thoughtfully consider Chapter 1 of Outliers.
Then, you will write an argumentative essay examining fate vs. free will. However, the format of this essay is a bit unique and different from most “fate vs. free will” essays you have written. This essay is designed not only to push you to use your critical thinking skills, but it is also designed to help prepare you to write the types of essays required on standardized assessments and college entrance exams. Some of the instructions and the format are very similar to the prompts included writing section of the ACT.2 (For more information about the writing section of the ACT, please visit the official ACT site
Remember that an argumentative essay is “a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.”3
            In this essay, rather than simply discussing one perspective, you will be asked to consider and discuss three different perspectives. The perspectives are outlined below:
 
Perspective #1: 
Perspective #2: 
Perspective #3: 
There is no such thing as “fate.” Although people may encounter circumstances that affect their choices, their choices are still their own. They would make the same choices regardless of the circumstances in which they find themselves.
Circumstances can affect the choices people make, but only to a certain degree. There are plenty of people who have succeeded regardless of their circumstances in addition to those those who have succeeded because of their circumstances. Similarly, there are people who do not succeed because their circumstances limit them, and there are those who refuse to allow their circumstances to limit them.
As Malcolm Gladwell asserts in Outliers, the situations in which people find themselves largely dictates who succeeds and who fails. These circumstances are a form of “fate”; without them, these same individuals would not have made the same choices. The circumstances “or fate” surrounding an individual always affects their choices and outcomes. 
 
Consider each of these perspectives carefully. Then, decide on your own perspective. Do you agree with any of these perspectives or is your perspective unique? Your perspective may be completely in line with one of the perspectives given, you may partially agree with one of the perspectives, or you may present a perspective that is completely different from those given.
            In your essay you must do the following:
Clearly state your own perspective on “fate vs. free will:”
Analyze the relationship between your perspective and each of the three perspectives in the prompt. This means that you must examine each of the three perspectives and explain how your own perspective differs from or is similar to the other perspectives. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the other perspectives.
You must also include at least two quotes from Outliers AND at least two quotes and/or references to elements of Macbeth in your essay. As you incorporate these quotes, you may use them either to support your own perspective or to explain why your perspective differs with one or more of the other perspectives.
Use clear reasoning and specific examples to support your ideas (these may be examples from your own life, the texts, or the world around you).
Refer to the argumentative rubric provided for information about how your essay will be scored in different areas. Note that you will be expected to have a clear introduction that introduces the topic of your essay and your perspective. Include a conclusion that restates your thesis and ties everything in your essay together.
Once again, please remember, you must include a discussion of all three perspectives provided to you; however, this is not an informative essay. This is an argumentative essay. Do not simply summarize the perspectives; I want to see a careful analysis of your own perspective’s relationship to each of the other perspectives.
 
Follow the following formatting guidelines:
Your essay should be double-spaced using a 12-point Times or Times New Roman font. Your margins may be no larger than one inch on each side (see the MLA formatting guidelines).
Include a header on each page with your last name and the page number.
REMEMBER: format your essay according to the MLA formatting guidelines included in this document from the BYU Writing Center: MLA Style Formatting.
When you reference Outliers, please include the page number from Chapter 1 with each quote. When you refer to or quote from Macbeth, include the act and scene (i.e. act 1, scene 3).
Use informal diction in your writing. It is appropriate to use the personal pronoun in your essay; however, remember this is an analysis essay and should be written very carefully.
You must also submit a revised rough draft. This draft may be revised by you or someone else; however, in order to receive credit for this draft, your instructor must be able to SEE that you have completed the revision process. This means that highlighting a few words here and there does not suffice. Revise it carefully.
You must use all four types of sentences in your essay. You will identify in your essay at least two of each type of sentence (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) in a separate submission.