Argument Essay Instructions
Write a position paper (a persuasive research essay) that takes a stand on an approved research topic. You can continue with the same topic (or some aspect of the same topic) you covered in your synthesis essay, assuming you can take an academically arguable (supportable and defensible) position on the topic, or you can select a new (academically re searchable) topic. If you do keep the same topic, of course you are free to re purpose your writing and/or research from the synthesis essay as needed for the argument essay. Your introduction should present your issue, provide background, and, in your thesis statement (the last sentence of your introduction), firmly and clearly state the arguable claim you intend to support. The body of your essay (argument) should address and refute counter-arguments (opposing views) in addition to presenting reasons and evidence in support of your own position. You will need to choose whether to address and refute opposing views before or after you have made your own case. Try to end your essay with your strongest points. Use your synthesis skills to continue to create a unique reading experience that is more than just the sum of your sources. Continue to organize by subtopic, not source.You can follow the framework in Allyn & Bacon to organize your essay (see Allyn & Bacon, page 331), or choose another effective organizational schema.Both The Curious Researcher and The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing contain information on MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) systems for formatting a manuscript (the margins, spacing, etc. of your essay) and documentation of sources.
DO NOT USE MLA. USE APA.Basic Assignment CriteriaLength: At least 1500 wordsSources: At least 5 academically credible sources. At least one source must be a peer-reviewed journal article, and at least one must by a book from a credible publisher (preferably from a university press).Format: APA, including title page and abstract but not sub-headingsDocumentation: APAType: Academic argument paper, meaning you must take an academically arguable position on your topic, and your purpose must be primarily to persuade your readers (relying mostly on logos and ethos).
NOTE:Your individual sources do not have to address or answer your research questions exactly or completely – what is important is that each source contributes some kind of significant and relevant information to your topic.When searching for sources, it pays to experiment. Try a variety of search terms and combinations. Also, think of different ways of breaking down your topic so you can dig deeper into specific areas.
(Argument) Essay Writing Process Overview To write the argument essay, follow these steps.
1. Use an approved research paper topic for the argument essay. You may use the same topic you used for your synthesis essay, or you may select a new topic. Just make sure the topic you select is conducive to academic research (including at least one peer-reviewed journal and at least one book [preferably from a university press]) and academic argument.Ex: My topic is breed-specific legislation.
2. Write an issue question (aka a research question) based on your topic. See pages 313-314 in Allyn & Bacon.Ex: Should lawmakers enact breed-specific legislation that prohibits or restricts the ownership of certain dog breeds?
3. State your claim in the form of a thesis (or position) statement. Your claim is the position you are taking on the issue. It is your specific, one-sentence answer to your issue (research) question. See page 314 in Allyn & Bacon.Ex: While many communities have enacted breed-specific legislation to protect citizens from dangerous dogs, such policies are ineffective and should not be implemented because breed does not determine whether a dog will attack.
4. Determine the reasons (support) you will use to support your main points. See pages 314-315 in Allyn & Bacon.
5. Decide on the evidence you will use to support your reasons. See pages 321 in Allyn & Bacon.
6. Identify reasonable objections and counter-arguments (opposing views) and your responses to the opposing views, to enable you to address and refute counter-arguments in your essay. See pages 321-326 in Allyn & Bacon.
7. Organize your argument essay in an effective fashion, such as Figure 13.1 “Framework for a Classical Argument” (see page 331 in Allyn & Bacon).
