Writing to Convince / Research Argument
Assignment:
For this assignment, you are to select a topic that is either global or multicultural in nature,
articulate a position on the topic, address and refute an opposing view, and argue your viewpoint
using sound logic. Your topic should not only have an immediate impact on American society or
culture but also other societies or cultures. Your viewpoint should be both arguable and
defendable, and should be structured as a classical argument.
Objectives:
Use invention techniques such as brainstorming, listing, cubing, reporters’ questions,
freewriting, and clustering.
Consider an external audience to guide tone, vocabulary, and content.
Draft or outline your initial draft. Employ a pattern of organization that is clear
and easy for the reader to follow.
Provide sufficient and relevant context so that your audience understands your
topic.
State a clear, debatable claim/thesis.
Support your claim by presenting credible evidence from a variety of sources.
Identify and acknowledge the counterargument to your claim.
Offer a conclusion that summarizes your evidence and restates your original claim
in a new way.
Utilize an appropriate balance of audience appeals from Aristotle’s Rhetorical
Triangle to connect with the reader. (Logos – logic and facts, Ethos – ethics and
credibility, Pathos- emotion).
Avoid using fallacies that will weaken your argument and lessen your credibility
with the audience.
Write effective sentences using concise language, proper grammar and
punctuation.
When using outside sources, integrate your quotations effectively and correctly
and cite all sources according to the specified format.
Revise and edit your essay to improve the original draft.
Techniques:
Argue objectively, use sound logic, and avoid fallacies.
Incorporate all the components of a classical argument in a fluid and effective manner.
Make nuanced and effective use of the rhetorical triangle: ethos, logos, and pathos.
Show how your topic has a real and important impact on various cultures or societies.
Options:
Option I: Write an argument that deals with issues of culture or ethnicity.
Option II: Write an argument that addresses the United States’ relationship with other
nations.
Option III: Write an argument that deals with a global issue.
Requirements: MLA Format 12 point font (Times New Roman or Arial) 6-8 pages of text, not including the Works Cited page Works Cited page 5-7 sources, correctly quoted and cited Select sources that are current, relevant, and reliable Avoid “quick and easy” sources, such as Wikipedia, Dictionary.com, or other online encyclopedias or dictionaries
Organization:
Your paper should follow the classic argument pattern, or a variation of it, as specified by your textbook. A classic argument contains the following components:
I. Introduction: In the introduction, you slowly lead your audience into the topic by introducing it and connecting it to them.
II. Narration: The narration is where you give all necessary background and context so your audience can understand the topic. You might do any or all of the following: give historical background; define specialized terms; explain the extent of any problems presented within the topic; explain how the topic is controversial.
III. Partition: The partition, in short, is your thesis, or claim. It should meet two criteria: it should be arguable, and it should be defendable.
IV. Argument: If the partition is the claim, this is where you support that claim with topic sentences, or sub-claims, that bolster and prove the thesis. Remember to use outside sources to illustrate or support your ideas, and avoid fallacies at all costs. Solid argument, remember, is built upon solid reasoning.
V. Refutation: Here, you first acknowledge opposing viewpoints, and then show why your viewpoint is preferable to all others.
VI. Conclusion: As in previous essays, your conclusion should tie up all loose ends, reiterate the main idea, and then end on a thought-provoking note. Usually, an argument ends with a call to action.
