Essay #4 is a Research-Based Argument Essay based upon the topic you chose for Essay #3 (Annotated Bibliography). (TOPIC HUMAN CLONING) As defined in your textbook, an argument takes a stand on an issue, offers reasons and evidence in support of your point, and summarizes and addresses opposing views. The goal of academic argument is not to ridicule those who disagree with you, nor is it to win a debate against the other side—academic argument is a combination of truth seeking and persuasion. It takes into account all the available information and views, and acknowledges the truth may lie within a compromise between two established positions, or else within a third undiscovered position.

For this assignment, you will write a 6-8 page essay (minimum of 1500 words) that argues a position on a controversial, arguable issue.

In this essay, you will call upon everything you have learned this semester. You will be using narration, exploration, evaluation, and argumentation.

For this essay your introduction should get your audience’s attention (possibly by appealing to emotion through narration), provide background that identifies the conversation you are joining, and clearly state your entry into the conversation—the claim you intend to support. The body of your argument should present reasons and evidence in support of your position, as well as appeals to credibility by responding to opposing views. You may also appeal to emotion within your body by appealing to the values and beliefs of your audience.

Your argument should have one of the following aims:

1. Change the current opinion of an audience that holds a different view.
2. Persuade an uninformed audience to adopt your view (requires more background info.)
3. Persuade an agreeing and informed audience to act (why is it urgent enough to act?)

Research

This is a research paper. You should use no fewer than six secondary sources in your works cited page (NOTE: These sources should likely be from your annotated bibliography). You should be entering the research and writing process with a clear research question, and the goal of using your critical thinking to create a view based on your research and experiences.

Summary of Grading Criteria

In general, I will be looking for essays which:

• Contain a clear and arguable claim that is the result of the writer’s own critical thinking
• Offer reasons and evidence logically support the claim
• Address possible objections to the underlying assumptions linking the thesis and reasons
• Address opposing views
• Provide adequate background on the conversation the author is joining
• Employ credible and relevant sources
• Are clearly and logically organized
• Use appropriate style and tone
• Are well-written, grammatically and mechanically
• Document of sources in correct MLA format
• Show evidence of an effective writing process