Summary
This assignment is a research-focused argumentative essay with a goal of ~1000-
1500 words. This essay needs a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that
establishes a clear, arguable thesis and supports that thesis through a well-
developed argument that integrates a variety of credible outside sources. Your
essay should be written in third person and avoid first and second person
phrasings.
Situation
Argumentative writing is one of the useful types of writing, but it is also one of the
most difficult to master. Written arguments take many forms from editorials about
current events or policies to cover letters and resumes intended to secure an
interview.
The most persuasive arguments combine several rhetorical appeals, or methods of
convincing the reader. They may appeal to the reader’s emotions through vivid
examples, provide undeniable logical proof of a point, or rely on a clear
demonstration of the writer’s character or authority (or the expertise of cited
sources).
For this essay you need to select a topic from the following list, but remember
none of these should be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No.” Any of these
topics needs you to take a position and support that decision with evidence and
reasoning. You may also expand on these general topics with some of your own
ideas.
? Should unhealthy foods like soft drinks and junk food be taxed to discourage
people from overconsuming them?
? Should college athletes be paid outside of tuition and other college
compensation?
? Should employers make hiring decisions based on criminal background
checks?
? Should juvenile offenders be treated like adults in criminal cases?
? Should the government take measures to control college tuition?
? Should the federal minimum wage be raised?
? Should parents allow their children to have smartphones?
? Should high schools focus more on teaching life skills like taxes, budgeting,
cooking, and so on?
? Should the government nationalize industries temporarily to increase
production of vital medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis?
? Should the government take action to address income inequality?
? Should religious organizations be exempt from laws that potentially go
against their doctrine?
? If you have another idea for a topic, you are welcome to pitch it to the
instructor for approval outside of class, but the instructor reserves the right
to approve or reject any topic not listed here.
Task
Your completed essay should be approximately 1000-1500 words. You must
include 3-5 cited sources with both in-text citations and works cited page entries.
These sources should not be the bulk of your essay, but instead they should provide
supplemental evidence for the claims you make about your topic. As always, you
should evaluate your sources carefully for credibility before choosing to use them.
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