Instructions. Be sure your essay contains the following:
· An opening paragraph that states a clear thesis that is focused, plausible, and arguable and that gives direction and purpose to the paper
· A fair-minded, balanced, and objective development of the pros and cons of the issue in a well-organized sequence of ideas, free of mechanical errors
· Credible, reliable, and authoritative evidence in support of the points made
· A strong conclusion that summarizes your views, reminds the audience of the issue and its importance, and shows in brief that you have successfully defended your thesis
Note
As you do your research, it is permissible to change your sources. Also, because of the recency and relevance of these issues, no sources older than 5 years should be used other than as historical information. Critical thinkers do the research first and then side with the preponderance of evidence. You might want to follow that principle.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
· Length: 4-6 pages (not including title page or references page)
· 1-inch margins
· Double spaced
· 12-point Times New Roman font
· Title page
· References page
· Minimum of 5 scholarly sources
ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER TIPS
Does your paper ask and answer an “yes” or “no” question?NOT a “how” questionNOT a “why” questionAn argumentative paper takes one side of an issue and produces evidence to support that that side of the argument is the most acceptable, the most probable, the one you should believe.I good argumentative paper willStrongly state the side it supportsRecognize opposing viewsRefute the other side – that is, show the opposing argument to be wrong, false mistaken or, at the very least, much weaker than your side of the argument.Analyze your argument (maybe even map it)What is your conclusion?What are your premises? (each aspect of the final paper is a premise)What evidence will you offer to support your premises?Do you need any definitional or explanatory information? (If you are writing about the keto diet, you need to explain what it is)Based on the argument you are presenting, what is the most important opposing view or views. For example – free college – opposing view: we can’t afford it; where will the money come from? Why should I pay for you?Do you have a strong response to the opposing view? A common mistake is simply stating the opposing view but not answering it and showing that it is mistaken and/or less worthy of belief than your pointof view.Have you summarized your argument in your conclusion, pointing out why it is superior to the opposing view? “We see from the above that free college is not a “free ride” and that it has many positive effects on the strength of our workforce and the robustness of our economy. The opposing view that asking all of us to pay for the college education of others is not unfair, because it benefits all of us, just as making education K through 12 available to all is a benefit to all of us.”
Here is the basic outline of a classical argument paper:1. Introduction: Get readers interest and attention, state the problem, and explain why they should care.2. Background: Provide some context and key facts surrounding the problem.3. Thesis: State your position or claim and outline your main arguments.4. Argument: Discuss the reasons for your position and present evidence to support it (largest section of paper—the main body).5. Refutation: State opposing views and convince the reader why opposing arguments are not true or valid.6. Conclusion: Summarize your main points, discuss their implications, and state why your position is the best position. ORGANIZING A PARAGRAPH1. A Transition sentence leading in from a previous paragraph to assure smooth reading. This acts as a hand-off from one idea to the next.2. A Topic sentence that tells the reader what you will be discussing in the paragraph.3. Specific Evidence and analysis that supports one of your claims and that provides a deeper level of detail than your topic sentence.4. A Brief wrap-up sentence that tells the reader how and why this information supports the paper’s thesis. The brief wrap-up is also known as the warrant. The warrant is important to your argument because it connects your reasoning and support to your thesis, and it shows that the information in the paragraph is related to your thesis and helps defend it. REBUTTAL OR REFUTATION OF OPPOSING VIEWThe opponent’s argument: Usually, you should not assume that your reader has read or remembered the argument you are refuting. Thus, at the beginning of your paragraph, you need to state, accurately and fairly, the main points of the argument you will refute.Your position: Next, make clear the nature of your disagreement with the argument or position you are refuting. Your position might assert, for example, that a writer has not proved his assertion because he has provided evidence that is outdated, or that the argument is filled with fallacies.Your refutation: The specifics of your counterargument will depend upon the nature of your disagreement. If you challenge the writer’s evidence, then you must present the more recent evidence. If you challenge assumptions, then you must explain why they do not hold up. If your position is that the piece is filled with fallacies, then you must present and explain each fallacy.
Did you address at least three aspects of the issue you chose?
Does each aspect have relevant and authoritative evidence in support of your point?
Have you included a view that is in opposition to your viewpoint, and have you answered that opposing view, pointing out its flaws in such a way as to refute it?
Edit your paper – look for wordiness, repetition, vagueness, ambiguities. Check the organization of the paper as a whole; make sure each paragraph maintains focus. After you are satisfied that the content of your paper is good, carefully proofread it and correct mechanical errors.
RUBRIC
