The Argument Essay - Quia



The Argument Essay

Due dates:

Topic/ issue due:

Thesis statement due (15 points):

Rough draft due (30 points):

Full draft due through (100 points):

Your goal for this essay is to take a clear, informed position on a current issue that is debatable, that is, one that informed individuals disagree on and present a logical, effective argument presenting your position. You will use the elements of sound argumentation. You will need to include a clear summary of your position, a clear summary of the opposing view, the reasons you think the way you do, a rebuttal of the key ideas of the opposing position, and also a point of concession or common ground. For each point you make, you will need to provide support to back up why you find this reason compelling. This is a good place to bring in outside sources to provide support through facts, historical background, people’s first-hand experiences, etc. You might also do an interview with an individual informed on the topic and include key points and/or support for your position.

Length: four to five pages plus a works cited page

Audience: Teacher, peers, and an educated public.

Topic: From the list provided or from your own values, choose a current global issue that is debatable, one that educated, reasonable people can and do disagree on.

Sources required: You must use at least four reliable outside sources and incorporate them fluidly in your essay.

Format: Use MLA format for documenting your sources.

Final drafts of essays will be submitted to ; they (final drafts) will not be turned in as a hardcopy. Be sure to have the essay submitted by its due date. BARRING ANY UNFORSEEN EVENT, NO LATE ESSAYS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Argument Essay Scoring Guide

|Criteria |Scales |

|100 points |Exceptional 5 |Skilled 4 |Proficient 3 |Developing 2 |Inadequate 1 |

|Claim 20% |Text introduces compelling|Text introduces a precise |The text introduces a |The text contains an |The text contains an |

|Text introduces clear, |claim that’s clearly |claim that’s clearly |claim that is arguable |unclear or emerging |unidentifiable claim or |

|arguable claim that can|arguable and takes a |arguable and takes an |and takes a position. |claim that suggests a |vague position. The text|

|be supported by reason |purposeful position. It |identifiable position. It |The text has a structure|vague position. The text|has limited structure |

|and evidence. |has a structure and |has an effective structure|and organization that is|attempts a structure and|and organization. |

| |organization carefully |and organization. |aligned with the claim. |organization to support | |

| |crafted. | | |the position. | |

|Develop. 20% |Text provides sufficient |The text provides |The text provides data |The text provides data |The text contains |

|Text has sufficient |and relevant data and |convincing, relevant data |and evidence to back up |and evidence that |limited data and |

|data to back up claim, |evidence to back up claim |and evidence to back up |the claim and addresses |attempts to back up the |evidence related to the |

|points out |and fairly addresses |claim and skillfully |the counterclaim. The |claim and unclearly |claim and counterclaims |

|strengths/limits |counterclaims. Conclusion |addresses counterclaims. |conclusion ties to the |addresses counterclaims |or lacks counterclaims. |

|of claim and |effectively reinforces |The conclusion effectively|claim and evidence. |or lacks counterclaims. |The text may fail to |

|counterclaim and has |claim and evidence. |strengthens claim and | |The conclusion merely |conclude the argument or|

|supporting | |evidence. | |restates the position. |position. |

|conclusion. | | | | | |

|Audience 20% |Text anticipates the |Text consistently |The text considers the |The text illustrates an |The text lacks an |

|Text anticipates |audiences knowledge, |addresses audience’s |audience’s knowledge |inconsistent awareness |awareness of the |

|audience’s knowledge |concerns, values, and |knowledge level, concerns,|level, concerns, values |of the audience’s |audience’s knowledge |

|level, concerns, |possible biases about the |values and possible |and possible biases |knowledge level and |level and needs. |

|values. It addresses |claim. It addresses |biases. It addresses |about the claim. The |needs. | |

|their specific needs. |specific needs of |specific needs of the |text addresses the needs| | |

| |audience. |audience. |of the audience. | | |

|Cohesion 20% |Text strategically uses |The text skillfully uses |The text uses words, |The text contains |The text contains few, |

|Text uses words/phrases|words, phrases, and varied|words, phrases, and |phrases, and clauses as |limited words, phrases |if any, words, phrases, |

|and varied syntax to |syntax to link major |clauses as well as varied |well as varied syntax to|and clauses to link the |and clauses to link the |

|link major sections and|sections of the text. It |syntax to link the major |link the major sections |major sections of the |major sections of the |

|clarifies relationship |explains relationship b/w |sections of the text. The |of the text. The text |text. The text attempts |text. The text does not |

|b/w claim/evidence |claim and evidence. The |text identifies the |connects the claim and |to connect the claim and|connect the claims and |

| |text links counterclaims |relationship between the |reasons. The text links |reasons. |reasons. |

| |to the claim |claim and reasons as well |the counterclaims to the| | |

| | |as the evidence. The text |claim. | | |

| | |effectively links the | | | |

| | |counterclaims to the claim| | | |

|Convention 20% |Text presents an engaging,|The text presents a |The text presents a |The text illustrates a |The text illustrates a |

|Text presents a formal,|formal and objective tone.|formal, objective tone. |formal tone. The text |limited awareness of |limited awareness or |

|objective tone |It intentionally uses |The text demonstrates |demonstrates standard |formal tone. The text |inconsistent tone. The |

|demonstrating usage and|standard conventions of |standard English |English conventions of |demonstrates some |text demonstrates |

|mechanics while |usage and mechanics while |conventions of usage and |usage and mechanics |accuracy in standard |inaccuracy in standard |

|attending to the norms |attending to the norms of |mechanics wh8ile attending|while attending to the |English conventions of |English conventions of |

|of the discipline (MLA)|the discipline. |to the norms of the |norms of the discipline.|usage and mechanics. |usage and mechanics. |

| | |discipline. | | | |

Possible Argument Essay Topics

1. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

2. In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?

3. 'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?

4. Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact for its main means of communication?

5. Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons.

6. Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?

7. To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?

8. Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above.

9. Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world's forests amounts to death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

10. Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss.

11. Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.

12. To what extent should economic planning be influenced by the need of environmental conservation?

13. Damage of the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.

14. The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.

15. Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?

16. What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students?

17. Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?

18. The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

19. Write a report to your sponsoring agency describing the English-language skills overseas students require. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary.

20. What kind of listening challenges do overseas students face in tertiary education? What recommendations would you offer?

21. Write a report to your sponsoring agency describing the accommodation problems faced by foreign students in Britain/US/Australia, etc. Make any necessary recommendations.

22. Education is recognized as vital to the future of any society in today's world. Governments throughout the world should make education compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

23. Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Discuss.

24. Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you agree or disagree?

25. Children learn best by observing behavior of adults and copying it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

26. To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?

27. To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?

28. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it a responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

29. To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century?

30. The dominance of black people in US sport is due to sociological rather than physiological factors. Discuss.

31. In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.

32. In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.

33. In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?

34. To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years?

35. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.

36. The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do you think?

37. The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive.

38.  The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use.. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport.

39. The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. The benefits of nuclear technology far overweigh the disadvantages. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

40. News editors decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence their decisions?

41. Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

42. TV: could you be without it? Discuss.

43. The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

44. Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism?

45. Are women are better parents than men?

46. Should children should be taught sex education in schools? 

47. Should money be spent on space exploration?

48. Should rich countries should forgive all debts for poor countries?

49. Will the Internet will bring people of the world closer together?

50. Does foreign aid helps donor countries more than the recipients?

51. Are zoos are necessary for education?

52. Is animal testing necessary?

53. Should rich countries should pay more for environmental damage?

54. Should retirement be compulsory at 65 years of age?

55. Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?

56. Are famous people treated unfairly by the media ? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?

57. Should developing countries concentrate on Improving industrial skills or should they promote education first?

58. Safety standards are important when building people's homes. Who should be responsible for enforcing strict building codes - the government or the people who build the homes?

59. Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better when technology was simpler?

60. In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?

61. Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better when technology was simpler?

62. Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?

63. If children behave badly ,should their parents accept responsibility and also be punished?

64. What should a government do for a country to become successful?

65. Should sports classes be sacrificed in High School so students can concentrate on Academic subjects?

66. Nowadays doctors can become very rich. Maybe they should not focus on profitable activities such as plastic surgery or looking after rich patients and concentrate more on patients health, no matter how rich they are?

67. Will modern technology, such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?

68. Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international aid to poor countries.

69. Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and rehabilitated, using community service programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society?

70. Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future?

(from Essay Forum Conference, St. Louis, MO, 2013)

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