TOPIC: This is an argumentative paper. You will put forth an opinion about a subject discussed in class or on the Forum. Forum topics can only be used if two other students responded to the article posted.
Pick a point of view and develop a thesis based on that view, then write two pages (600 words) proving your point of view. Your first draft should be polished and at least 500 words.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: An argumentative essay is one that expresses an opinion about a topic and takes a side. But you need to be able to see multiple sides of the issue in order to truly make a good argument for your side. In addition to clearly laying out your point of view, to be truly believable your essay should show and undo a counterargument.
For your essay, choose a topic from the news stories we have read and discussed that you have an opinion on and express your opinion. Use evidence or give examples. Do your research before you write your essay.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Your essay needs a reasoned thesis: assertion + reason (the thesis must have a “because”). Your thesis must be underlined.
• Your paper must argue and have a counter-argument.
• It must be properly formatted in MLA style, double-space and use 12-point font.
• You must cite the one newspaper source the essay arose from, and an evaluated web or government source..
All sources must be properly cited. You may cite as many sources as you feel necessary to make your point but no less than two total.
PRESENTATION The first page should have your name, my name, the class, and the date on the top left-hand corner, double-spaced on separate lines per MLA style. After another space, the title should appear, properly punctuated and capitalized. Insert another space, then you begin your essay. Do not put in quotes, underline, italicize, or otherwise mutilate your title. Your last name and the page number must appear in the upper right-hand corner of each page (in the header). Don’t forget to spell-check. See the OWL links and the video I have posted for more on formatting.
