The Argument
List of Topics from Opposing Viewpoints – Spring 2022
Please keep in mind when selecting a topic, that, for instance, you would not be arguing whether Parenting is good or bad. Rather, in your research, you may discover what type of parenting is most effective and argue why it is. That’s just one idea. Be brave. Branch out. Use your critical thinking skills. These are umbrella topics. What you choose to argue should only be one, narrowed focus under it.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Cultural Appropriation
11. Civility in Modern Society
12. Service and Emotional Support Animals
13. Sustainability
Parenting
Political Participation in the United States Activism
Flexible Workplaces
Gentrification
Food Insecurity
Gender Identity
Bilingual Education
Live Streaming of Violent Acts
14. Income Inequality
15. Memes and Viral Content
16. Anxiety and Stress Management
17. Public Health and Personal Freedom
18. American Dream
19. Celebrity Culture
20. K12 Education
Overview:
English Composition I: The Argument Guidelines
Argument is a necessary and vital element in a civilized society. When applied correctly, using the three elements of the Rhetorical Triangle, it has the power to effect compromise and negotiation. The goal should not be “winning”; it should simply be “convincing” an opponent that your argument has merit and value and should not be cast aside.
Throughout your college career, you will be framing arguments. Each academic paper that you write, especially in coursework in your major area of study, will be composed to prove a new, original point. Faculty members are looking for and embrace new ideas presented by their students. Rote memorization and the reciting of previously disclosed information is no longer the norm. Unique thoughts are valued.
Assignment Guidelines:
For this assignment, you must choose a topic from the list provided and use the “Opposing Viewpoints” database that can be accessed through the Institution Page in Blackboard to compile your research.
When you open an article, you will also see an option on the top bar to “Cite” (with the quotation mark icon). When you click on that, the MLA 8th Edition formatting for your Works Cited page/slide will appear. You may copy and paste that.
You must include 5-7 sources from “Opposing Viewpoints” for this project.
Then, you have two options: 1) Create a PowerPoint that details the five parts of an argument, or 2) Compose a three-page essay that includes the five parts of an argument.
If you choose the PowerPoint option, your outline should look something like this:
Slide 1: Title and Student Name
Slide 2: Summarize a story (a narrative) you found in your research about someone effected by the topic you selected. Include photos if available.
Slide 3: Create your thesis statement and cite three pieces of evidence (quotes or statistics) from your research to support your argument, using in-text citations.
Slide 4: Here, recognize what your opponent’s argument is and the evidence they use to support it. Use in- text citations here, too.
Slide 5: This is where you want to take each point made by your opponent and dispute each one, using your research.
Slide 6: This wraps up your argument. Maybe coming back to your initial story on Slide 2 and giving your readers the ending to that person’s story. Maybe you want to add an extra piece of evidence you didn’t use on Slide 3. But, please do not repeat information you’ve already disclosed.
Slide 7: Your Works Cited slide should contain the 5-7 sources taken from the “Opposing Viewpoints” database. These entries should be in alphabetical order, by the first word in the citation.
Please be creative, including video links, images, and graphics.
If you choose the Essay option, your outline should look something like this:
Part 1: Summarize a story (a narrative) you found in your research about someone effected by the topic you selected. Include as much description as you can.
Part 2: Your first sentence should be your thesis statement (claim). Then, include three pieces of evidence (quotes or statistics) from your research to support your argument, using in-text citations.
Part 3: Here, recognize what your opponent’s argument is and the evidence they use to support it. Use your research and include in-text citations here, too.
Part 4: This is where you want to take each point made by your opponent and dispute each one, using your research and include in-text citations.
Part 5: This wraps up your argument. Maybe coming back to your initial story from Part 1 and giving your readers the ending to that person’s story. Maybe you want to add an extra piece of evidence you didn’t use in Part 2. Just do not repeat information you have already disclosed.
This essay should follow MLA format. If you have questions about the format, first please refer to the section included in the Writing Lessons folder. You may also Google the Purdue OWL and MLA Works Cited and MLA In-Text Citations to see examples of how those should be formatted.
For help with the format, you may also visit the Redlands Writing Center on the second floor of the library for help from one of the tutors there. You may also send questions/drafts to Writing.Center@redlandscc.edu.
Your Works Cited page should contain the 5-7 sources taken from the “Opposing Viewpoints” database. These entries should be in alphabetical order, by the first word in the citation.
Final Instructions:
Whether you choose the PowerPoint or the Essay option, do NOT use the first person “I” in this argument. Likewise, do NOT use the second person “you” in this argument.
You will need to write a creative title your argument.
For more information, consult the lecture on “Argument” located under the “Powerpoints” tab on the left menu.
You must select a topic from the list provided and use Opposing Viewpoints for your research. It is critical in academic work to show proficiency in working in academic databases. In English Composition II, you will learn the tools needed to adequately evaluate open Internet sources for validity.
If you do not select a topic from the list provided and use Opposing Viewpoints for your research, your argument will NOT be graded.
The most important element of this assignment is that you begin to understand the structure of an academic argument; this will be the foundation for your learning in English Composition II.
Learning objectives for this activity:
• Build technological skills through research and creation of an argument
• Locate evaluated and validated sources in the library database that inform and explain a topic
• Interpret the research collected in order to prepare a classical argument
• Organize the information in a coherent manner
• Produce a logical, reasoned argument that follows the classical, five-point structure
Brainstorming techniques and questions to consider while writing:
• One of the main reasons for the argument is to inform and educate the reader on the topic. Consider this when writing. Provide enough background for the reader to understand the problem.
• Appeal and outline the logic as well as the emotion behind your argument. The element of credibility comes from your skills as a writer (watch for spelling and typographical errors) as well as the research you choose to use to prove your claim.
• Sometimes it can be easier to brainstorm your content by writing the oppositional viewpoint and refutation, then going back to the beginning to craft your narrative opening.
• Argument is all about anticipating the opposition; if you can know in advance what they might say, then you can have your appeal ready to convince them otherwise.
