you are required to
write an argumentative, multiple-source paper on a topic of your choice within your field of
study. You must find your own credible sources and provide sustained analysis and persuasive
justification for your own position. By doing so, you will address some of the objections,
concerns, and counterarguments related to your major claim. The goal for this essay is to
convince the reader that the chosen topic is important and that the argumentative stance taken by
you, the author, is original and adds to the collective body of thinking in significant ways
To complete this essay, you must first articulate a question, problem, or controversy that exists
within your academic area. Then, you should conduct a significant amount of research that
proves the existence of the issue and perhaps addresses it from different angles. Finally, as the
expert in this area, you need to propose a solution or a method for approaching the problem. The
goal, here, is to apply your own critical thinking to raise awareness of a major issue and
hopefully solve it. In other words, you need to make an original argument and include outside
sources along the way to lend credibility to your ideas.
1) Think about some issues in your topic area that seem significant and
interesting to you. Narrow them down to one specific problem you can address.
2) Do some preliminary research and ensure you will have enough material to cover that
particular problem and its possible solutions.
3) Collect all of the articles, websites, and other trustworthy resources that will make up your
total research in this area—now you are ready to begin writing.
4) Suggestion: start with an introduction. Review the controversy, define the problem, and
mention any possible solutions from your research. Finally, state your own solution as the
essay’s main “claim.” If you are able to begin with these steps, you may be able to clear up
some of the confusing aspects of this topic. Then, start on the body paragraphs of your paper.
5) For the first part of your body section, dissect the problem completely. In doing so, you
should summarize its basic features, demonstrate its seriousness, and maybe point to some
real-life examples that will help the reader fully understand what you will be talking about.
6) After dissecting the problem, discuss one of the possible solutions. Use your research and the
testimony of experts to fully “flesh out” one specific way of attacking this problem.
7) Do the same thing for a second solution. Try to find another way to solve this problem that is
significantly different from the first one you discussed. Treat it with the same level of
research-supported detail. Repeat for a third solution, if you can.
8) Now that you’ve teased out some potential solutions, synthesize the two (or three) solutions
by comparing and contrasting them in terms of evidence and reasoning. Begin to justify your
own stance by reacting to each solution. Remember, your personal stance is your original
idea for solving the problem or addressing the issue. This stance is your main argument; as
such, it should be specific, clear, and logical. You can support this argument by providing
your own claims, evidence, warrants, and examples. (We’ll discuss these concepts.)
9) Write a conclusion that explains to your reader how your solution can be beneficial.
10) Drive home your “so what” factor at the end. A good solution to a real problem means a lot.
If you feel this guidance is too restrictive, take your own approach. Above all, remember that the
goal is to explore an issue in your academic area and make a meaningful contribution. If you can
add original knowledge to your field of study, you’re officially unstoppable.
A good number of sources for this essay is in the range of four to six. The suggested length is
approximately 1,500 words. Good luck and have fun. This is a chance for you to “spread your
wings” as a writer, so take advantage and enjoy the ride.
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