Discuss the issue and argue your position convincingly by integrating sources in meaningful and logical manner. See p. 117, content and example essays from the chapter for guidance.

: Argumentative Essay for a National Newspaper (100 points)

 

Situation: You are asked to write about an ethical or otherwise controversial issue that is characterized by conflicting positions for the opinion page of a national newspaper.

 

Audience: Readers of a national newspaper

 

Research Task: Use the Internet to conduct research to find 3 or more reliable sources (expert opinions, facts or statistical data) to integrate into your essay. 1 source must support the opposing position to your argument so that you can use it for a counter-argument.

 

Writing Task: Discuss the issue and argue your position convincingly by integrating sources in meaningful and logical manner. See p. 117, content and example essays from the chapter for guidance.

 

Requirements:

 

  1. Brainstorm and select quality topic that interests you.

 

  1. Create an outline to organize your ideas.

 

  1. Your essay should be approximately 2.5-3 pages in length, and include Times New Roman 12-point font with 1” margins (APA format guidelines). Your essay should maintain an argumentative focus throughout, and should include the following:

 

  1. Introduction (thesis statement, hook, background information)
  2. Body Paragraphs (number dictated by organizational structure and supporting points)
  3. Conclusion (restate the thesis statement in a new way, and provide a prediction, warning or otherwise leave the reader wanting to know more about the issue or take action)

 

Content:     / 40

 

Take a clear position on the issue you select.

The content of your essay should be thoughtful.

Logical and convincing connections should be made between your thesis statement, topic sentences and integrated sources.

Sources (expert opinion, facts and statistical data) should be integrated into each body para.

Show skills using paraphrasing, direct quotes (limit 1 line) and summary(do this at least once)

Use counter-argument, concession and refutation (p. 124)

 

Format:       / 10

 

Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font.

Use 1” margins

Double space

Indent each paragraph (tab key)

Include a title for your essay

Include your name

Cite all sources correctly using APA format

 

Language:     / 20

 

Use grammatically correct sentences.

Spell all words correctly

Use proper punctuation.

Use reporting verbs properly for integrated sources

Use connecting words such as furthermorein additionmoreover, nevertheless and however (p. 126)

 

Organization:   / 30

 

Possible organization guide:

 

  1. Introduction
  2. Thesis statement (Introduce what you plan to talk about and why)
  3. Preview the three subtopics (reasoning to support argument) that you plan to discuss

 

  1. Body Paragraph 1
  2. Topic sentence: Introduce topic and what you are going to say about it—
  3. 2-3 supporting sentences: Explain, present reasoning, and provide

evidence to support your topic sentence.

  1. Concluding sentence: Explain how the topic you just discussed connects to your

thesis statement and set up topic in next paragraph.

 

III. Body Paragraph 2: Repeat process from Body 1 for new topic (A., B. & C.)

 

  1. Body Paragraph 3: Repeat process from Body 1 for new topic (A., B. & C.)

 

  1. Conclusion:
  2. Connect the topics you discussed in body paragraphs 1, 2 & 3 in a meaningful way.
  3. Summarize what you discussed and how the subtopics connect back to your thesis.
  4. Say something powerful that leaves the readers wanting to know more about the

topic or take action.