ARGUMENTATIVE RESEARCH PAPER
LENGTH
2,000 words (excluding references)
Write an essay taking the “for” or “against” side of any current issue.Assume that the reader has feelings opposite to yours and attempt to persuade the reader to adopt your point of view.You will do this by making a strong THESIS statement at the beginning and supporting that idea with at least 4 REASONS:
THESIS
Reason
evidence
Reason
evidence
Reason
evidence
Reason
evidence
CONCLUSION
TOPIC
Choose a topic which is of interest to you. Narrow your topic down as much as you can—your paper will be more persuasive that way.Present a PRESCRIPTIVE thesis (what should/shouldn’t be), not a descriptive one (what is/isn’t).
OUTSIDE SOURCES
Use at least eight quotations from at least eight outside sources to illustrate and defend your thesis.These must be chosen from at least three of the following categories.
Periodical (magazine or journal)
Television program
Daily newspaper
Government publication
Book (limit 2)
Other Internet source
Pamphlet
DVD
Support your opinion with inarguable FACTS.Give supporting evidence that is free of logical fallacies, assumptions, and biases.Naturally, your own commentary must be free of these weaknesses and above all rational and non-emotional.
DOCUMENTATION
Cite your sources using the MLA style of documentation.Give parenthetical references within your text and include a “Reference” list at the end of the paper with full publication data on each source.
THESIS.Present a single statement (one sentence of reasonable length) that is the controlling idea of your essay.Unless you and I agree otherwise, this statement will appear word for word in the introduction of your essay.
OUTLINE. Present your approved thesis followed by 2 to 6 primary reasons that will support it.Each reason should consist of one complete sentence.No research materials should be included in the outline.
FINAL PRODUCT.You are required to type this paper.Double-space of course.Do not enclose it in any type of binder.
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