Argument Research Essay
This assignment will challenge you in the areas of choosing a controversial topic, narrowing it down, finding decent, unbiased research, writing an extended formal essay, including citations within your writing as well as creating a reference page, and polishing your work after you have completed the rough draft. This is the major assignment for the class. Doing well will prepare you for future research papers regardless of major or focus.
General Essay Requirements:
· MLA format as prescribed in the handbook ch 51 or the MLA section
· Typed, Times New Roman font, 12pt., double-spaced, 1” margins
· Final packet must have at least 2 drafts
· Proper grammar, spelling, and paragraphing (no personal pronouns)
· Title based on topic (not essay genre)
Specific Essay Requirements:
· 4 full pages of text minimum plus works cited (MLA style)*
· Persuasive thesis statement in introduction
· 6 college database sources minimum (no Google, Wiki-anything, dictionaries, etc.)*
· MLA style parenthetical citations throughout essay*
· Argue for one side and back up your reasons with research*
· Explore and mention underlying values associated with your side
· Consider objections or options and form a rebuttal
· Topic needs to be controversial, recent, easy to research, and approved (do not proceed without approval)
· Conclusion must restate thesis and show flaws of objection
Getting started:
· Consult Opposing Viewpoints or Issues and Controversies or choose a topic to be approved (see other side)
· Do preliminary research to learn about topic and choose a side to argue
· Create a 3-point thesis statement based upon research items
· Use ABC format to create your body paragraphs and include citations
· Create an opposition paragraph and rebuttal
Revision:
· Make sure each body paragraph supports a point in your thesis (in order)
· Envelope your research in style using ABC format
· Create a hook and clincher that is appropriate for your topic
· Check for errors
· Search for ways to communicate your event more effectively
· Consider peer review comments
* This essay and these items are at particular risk for plagiarism. Be sure you are aware of all formatting rules including proper documentation and paraphrasing and summarizing. Plagiarism will result in a 0 for the assignment and possibly the entire class.
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Choosing a topic:
You must choose a topic that is controversial, which means it has two very well argued sides. In addition, your topic must be recent but not too recent. Your topic must not be one that has been exhausted by previous students. Your topic should also be one that can be easily researched by school databases.
Possible topics:
Jacksonville growth
Concussion clearance
Standardized testing
For-profit colleges*
Police in schools
Second lang. ed.
Pharmaceutical pricing
Teen cosmetic surgery
Police brutality/cameras
Assisted suicide
For-profit prisons*
Magnet/Charter schools
Cheating—sports/school/etc.
Internet addiction
Asperger’s /Autism
Testing on animals
Cyber-bullying
NSA spying*
Nutritional supplements*
Campaign “donations”*
Pollution/Emissions control
Minimum Wage Hike
Impossible topics:
Abortion
Gun control
Driving/drinking age
Wars
Distracted Driving
Immigration
Global warming
Legalizing Marijuana
Dolphins are cool
Tasers
Video Game Ratings
Informational topics
One-sided topics
Affordable Care Act
Affirmative Action/repeal
Sexual assault/hazing
You must focus on a social/economic problem. This almost always involves money—usually taxes. The topic may also revolve around injustice—looking out for those who can’t look out for themselves. Children may be involved. Or, the topic may be about the prevention of government controls. You may ask, “Why should the government step in?” In other words, your topic must be about a problem and you will be persuading your audience about a solution or new way to look at the problem or maybe blame the key culprit. Most of your research will back up your opinion—not explain the problem.
Disclaimer about example essays:
From time to time students ask about example essays to help them along in the creation process. This is dangerous for a few reasons. 1. Some of the sample essays in the textbooks are mistaken for good essays—do not assume this. 2. Essays written by my previous students may help you get started but only provide a crutch. You need to work through the creation process. Attending class should provide you with enough momentum to get you started. Attending the Peer Review sessions will be a good checkpoint for your efforts. 3. Lastly, the potential for plagiarism is high with example essays and this is a risk not worth taking.
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