Essay Four, Argumentative Research
225 points, 850-word minimum, 1,500-word maximum
Directions:
Write an essay in which you argue for or against a particular piece of legislation or policy OR a restrictive code. Pick an issue specific to an entity (corporation, public service or institution; or local, county, or federal government). The policy may affect those members of a particular group, city, county, or state. Avoid issues rooted in religious and philosophical beliefs. Be sure to acknowledge and refute your opposition. The formal name (codified name) of the law, code, or policy MUST appear in either the essay’s thesis or in another sentence in the introductory paragraph. Failure to present the law, code, or policy by its formal name in the thesis and/or in the introductory paragraph will result in a SIGNIFICANT deduction of points from the essay grade.
Do NOT write on any policy or legislation pertaining to the larger issues of abortion; the death penalty; euthanasia (right to die); or animal testing. These are very important issues, but are far too frequently argued from a religious or philosophical stance. They are also far too broad to adequately treat in an essay of this size.
Your essay MUST :
Contain a minimum of 850 words but not exceed 1500 words. Remember quotes taken from sources do not go toward word count.
Adhere to all MLA rules of documentation and presentation, including a complete Works Cited page. Please utilize all MLA reference resources. A failure to comply with MLA (9th edition) guidelines will result in the essay receiving a zero.
Contain a MINIMUM of four sources, but a MAXIMUM of six credible and objective source materials. These are publications/sources that do not have an agenda or bias. They contain objective findings and reporting. All sources must have been published within the last FOUR years. Please consult the CSN library database to find the most reliable reference material. Consult a librarian for assistance in this endeavor.
Adhere to the academic integrity policy found on the CSN website. If any portion of the essay is plagiarized, the essay will receive a zero.
Contain a reasoned, logical argument to convince an audience of the soundness of its position, belief, or conclusion. Remember an argumentative essay takes a stand–supported by evidence (published source material/expert knowledge)–and urges its audience to share the writer’s perspective and insights.
Incorporate the writing and researching strategies covered in Chapter 6 of Anatomy of an Essay.Employ the organization model discussed on page 152 in the “Sorting” section.
Not contain any form of second (you/yours) or first (I/we) person.
