Assignment Title: Argumentative Research Paper Introduction: Arguing a position is a common occurrence, but the ability to argue well is not. For this essay you will choose one side of an arguable topic and attempt to convince your reader that the point of view presented in your essay is both logical and valid. The Assignment: Think of an issue that has two points of view and choose one side, one point of view, as being stronger and more valid. An argumentative essay advocates for one view or stance over another and its goal is to persuade the reader to adopt that belief. In an argumentation essay the writer marshals his/her strongest reasons that support the thesis but also must refute arguments from the opposition. Choose a topic that has two sides and make a case for what you think is the stronger position. We will do topic brainstorming in class and there are topic-searching resources on Blackboard as well. Length: 4-5 pages, excluding the works cited page A separate works cited page formatted to MLA 8th edition standards. A minimum of four sources are required. All sources must come from the FTCC databases. No exceptions. Please note, .org and .com websites cannot be used as one of the required four sources; they may only be used as supplemental sources. Inclusion of the following elements within the paper: An introduction paragraph that engages the reader, provides context, and presents an arguable thesis with a solid claim and sound arguments. (ACT ? Attention Grabber, Context, and Thesis) If necessary, a background paragraph that provides information to the readers in order to understand the issue. Background is not necessary if the issue is familiar to most people. However, background can include definition of key terms, explanation of key people associated with the issue, or perhaps necessary historical background. Again, background is not mandatory. Body paragraphs dedicated to the explanation of each argument that was presented in the thesis. Arrangement of your arguments must follow the order established in thesis, and the order must be arranged with intent – stronger arguments need to outshine weaker ones. Depending on the length and degree of the argument, it is possible that one argument could require two body paragraphs. Body paragraphs will always begin with solid topic sentences and then move onto provide evidence from sources in the form of direct quotes, summary, or paraphrase. Inclusion of source material always requires an in-text citation as credit has to be given to the person responsible for the original idea. Analysis always follows the evidence as it is your task to explain how the evidence supports the point being made. The closing sentence in the body paragraph summarizes the discussion. Follow the MEAL plan to build solid body paragraphs. Please note that you are capped at three lines of quoted material per page. This means three lines, not three sentences. One body paragraph that presents the counterarguments to your paper’s argument. A conclusion paragraph that briefly reviews the paper’s key points but more importantly offers either a call to action on the part of the reader or a prediction of what could happen if the issue is not addressed or both. MLA format is required. Topic selection is left up to the student. However, the following topics may be prohibited by the instructor because they have been discussed so frequently that the discussion has become ineffective or the topic itself does not provide a strong argumentative stance. The same applies to subjects that lack supporting academic evidence: legalization of marijuana (a moot point now), abortion (a settled legal matter in 2018), gun control/ 2nd Amendment (emotionally charged and little or no new argument to be made), capital punishment (no new argument to be made), same-sex marriage (a moot point now). For your topic, think about the issues that impact us locally. Consider an issue that is connected to your community. Keep in mind that this paper will not be able to tackle complex issues, so narrow down and use the Topic Discussion Board to help you as well. The introduction: The introduction must present background information sufficient enough to set up the argument for a reader who is unfamiliar with the topic at hand. This set up should not be excessive in length. Your thesis statement should mention what topic you plan to discuss and where you stand on the subject. The thesis may be located anywhere in your introduction but is often best left as one of the last sentences of this paragraph. Body paragraphs: These body paragraphs should have specific and detailed examples to back up the argument’s thesis. Each paragraph needs to have its own topic sentence as the first or second sentence, and the remainder of the paragraph should develop the information in a clear, concise, and accurate way. Utilize outside support that is factual, logical, and appropriate. It is possible that a single point may need two paragraphs to fully explain, so don’t feel the need to limit one point to a single paragraph. Countering the opposing point of view: the paragraph before the conclusion should counter the opposition. Consider one or two of the main points that proponents of the other side of the issue would argue, then explain why it is an inferior argument. This should be done academically and with evidence to support your reasoning. Conclusion: Your conclusion should briefly summarize your argument and re-emphasize the merits of your point of view without directly restating them. Consider how the entirety of your argument illustrates your main point and why this matters to your audience.
