The Argumentative Essay - Welcome to D's English 11 Class!



The Argumentative Essay

Over the next several weeks, you will write an argumentative research paper. We will examine proper research, argumentative structure, using evidence, making concessions, and drawing a conclusion. Over the next weekend, you need to start doing some preliminary research in order to determine your top three topics from the list I’ve provided. Next week, you will draw numbers to determine the order in which you will select the topic (up to four people—two affirmative, two negative—will be assigned a topic). From that point, you will begin researching your side and the opposition. You can and should work together with your topic counterparts on finding, reading, and analyzing the research. You should use the following organizational pattern when structuring your essay:

Paragraph 1: Introduction. Provide a general introduction of the problem. End the paragraph with a thesis statement which states your opinion and reasons.

Paragraphs 2-3: Background/history of the problem. Define the controversial issue and explain why it’s a relevant problem today. Sources needed.

Paragraphs 4-5: Opposition. Explain the opposition’s arguments and refute them. Sources needed.

Paragraphs 6-8: The heart of your argument. Explain the reasons for your position, presenting them logically and using appropriate and adequate support. Be sure that your strongest argument is presented last.

Paragraph 9: Paragraph of recommendation. Define the next steps that should be taken regarding your topic and position (change or upholding a law, creating or abolishing a policy or law, a call for a change in practice, etc.). Discuss the positive effects of taking these steps and the negative effects if such steps aren’t taken. Sources needed.

Paragraph 10: Conclusion. Reaffirm the strength of your argument. Restate your thesis and summarize the main ideas. Leave the reader with a strong final thought on the topic.

Here are a few specifics to keep in mind:

*5-7 pages (not including Works Cited page)

*formal essay rules apply

*grammar and spelling will count

*no YUCKIES

*writing must be clear and concise

*MLA structure must be followed

*At least 6 academic sources must be used

*Scholarly journals

*Trade publications

*News/Opinion magazines

*Credible websites

*Books (at least 1 of the 5 sources MUST be a book)

*Reference materials (encyclopedias, etc)

***Popular magazines (People, Glamour, Seventeen) are not academic sources

***Wikipedia is not an academic source; you may use it but it will not count as

one of your 5 sources

*At least 1 of your five sources must be a primary source

*Personal interview

*Autobiography

*Survey

*Speeches

*Journal articles that report findings of a NEW study

*Use a variety of evidence and a variety of sources

*Sources must be current (within 10 years)

*You must adequately research and present the counterargument. It is essential to “know thy enemy.”

*Avoid overly emotional language. Emotional appeals are fine in moderation, but too much emotion will cloud your logic.

*You will turn in your completed paper with all drafts and copies of your sources in a folder

*A Works Cited page must be included in your essay. I will provide you with handouts on how to properly cite information.

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