For this argumentation-persuasion essay you will be required to research a topic of interest and present an informed analytical argument that takes into consideration the research you have completed. You will need to choose a very specific topic that allows you to develop unique and interesting ideas. However, please do not write about the abortion issue because what can you say that will change anyone’s mind? Also, local issues usually make for the best essays rather than national issues.
Your final draft must contain these components:
- A strong debatable thesis (main argument)
- Claims/Evidence (to support your main argument)
- Research (to support your claims)
- A well-developed conclusion
(This directly relates to your argument because it takes into account the evidence that you have considered and it reinforces your main argument by asserting that your opinion has not changed in light of the research you have done.)
Other things you should keep in mind:
- Your sources should be academic sources from the library databases. Good websites to go to for scholarly articles and newspaper articles would be nclive.org and newsbank.com. Please avoid the Opposing Viewpoints database.
- Your essay should demonstrate an awareness of audience that suggests that you are aware of other/opposing perspectives.
- Your strongest claim should be one of the last things your audience reads (except for the conclusion, of course).
- Your topic should be controversial and significant and very specific.
- Your claims should be based on logos, ethos, and pathos – mostly appealing to logic.
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