Researched Argument Assignment Sheet The Assignment In this 6–8-page essay, you will be crafting a researched argument that calls on you, the writer, to identify an arguable issue of your choice.
Researched Argument Assignment Sheet
The Assignment
In this 6–8-page essay, you will be crafting a researched argument that calls on you, the writer, to identify an arguable issue of your choice. After identifying your issue, take a position on it. Are you for the issue? Against the issue? For the issue with exceptions? Against the issue with exceptions? Remember that things are not always black and white, and likely, after doing some research, your stance will change slightly. Don’t shy away from this change if it happens!
Use scholarly, reputable sources to back up your position on the issue. For this paper, you will be required to have 3-4 scholarly sources. They should be academic, scholarly, reputable sources that pass the CRAAP test.
At some point in your essay, you will consider and respond to a perspective that will conflict with or challenge your own through a rebuttal and counterargument. Use scholarly, reputable sources to back up your consideration of the opposing viewpoints as well. This shows that you have truly researched both sides of the issue.
Conclude by calling your reader to action. You’ve told us why this is an important issue within the body of your paper. Now, tell your readers why they should join you on your quest to persuade others on this topic. Where can we go from here to create change?
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to utilize the skills you’ve been building thus far in EN-180 (close reading, summary, analysis, synthesis, and research) to aid in your craft of an extended persuasive argument. In this paper, you must be able to articulate a strong claim (thesis statement) that has been developed throughout the drafting and revision process. This is important because thinking critically prepares you to understand and respond to the many controversial issues you will encounter in your personal and professional lives.
Audience
The Researched Argument’s audience will be those interested in the argument. However, your target audience is those who disagree with you. You should tailor your paper to address those who directly oppose the stance you are taking.
For example, if I were writing my researched argument with a stance that opposes the applicability of “all lives matter” as a response to “Black Lives Matter,” I would be framing the argument for those who believe that saying “all lives matter” is an appropriate response to the BLM movement. When doing this, I will be carefully and respectfully noting that I see the point they are trying to make, but that it is (again, respectfully) helpful to neither the movement nor their own position to use this rebuttal. As the writer, I will be aware that those who support the Black Lives Matter movement will be reading the essay (as they will want to hear what others are saying and gain more knowledge about the issues at hand), but it is the opposition that the essay will be targeting.
Stance
Your stance will be front and center here. You will be taking a side (for or against something). However, you will also be considering the opposing point of view as you write. To write a convincing argument, you want to show those whom you are trying to convince that you have considered their viewpoint but have discredited it due to reasons you will list throughout the paper. It is a rhetorical choice that will appeal to the emotion of the reader, helping them to read not out of anger (or already looking for all the ways to discredit you as the author), but with open eyes.
Goals:
· Participate in and contribute to the larger conversation around your topic.
· Understand research as inquiry-based – as that which evolves from informed, well-crafted questions.
· Understand that argument is rhetorically complex and not reducible to pro/con positions.
· Articulate a claim and support it with relevant, timely evidence.
· Acknowledge counterclaims while maintaining control of your argument.
· Select and balance a variety of sources that relate to your argument.
· Integrate source material by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
· Develop and sustain an idea through a well-organized, thesis-driven essay supported with relevant evidence and examples.
· Demonstrate reasonable sentence-level control, including syntax and grammar competency, and cite source material using citation conventions.
Format
6-8 pages
12-point, Times New Roman font
Double Spaced
1” Margins
MLA format (heading, title, page numbers, works cited page)
Word Document