Making an effective argument is important for convincing people on a day to day basis, but it can also help when doing significant tasks like asking for a raise or convincing a stubborn teacher to give you more time on a test (note: not me, but mean teachers). Having a clear purpose focused on solving a problem and well-arranged evidence shows confidence and thought, which can give even the most stubborn person pause.
For this essay, finding good sources is also key. Sources elevate credibility when used with an argument, and distinguishing a good source can help prevent people from falling for bad information.
Finally, the newest addition to this essay is rebutting a counterargument. Especially in daily life, arguments do not go unchallenged. People will make opposing arguments that have to be addressed lest they sway the audience.
Knowledge:
This essay is about supporting a good argument with great evidence and addressing opposing ideas, so that you are able to address opposition in your life.
Select any topic related to an essay we have read or another topic with teacher approval. Using that topic, identify an audience, focus it around a purpose, utilize an appropriate tone, and use ethos, pathos, and logos to create your own argument. For this essay, craft an idea related to one of the essays the class has read or will read into an argument of your own. You should provide enough support for your argument to persuade a particular group of people to act in a meaningful way. You should identify a minimum two counterarguments that may persuade your target audience and partially refute them.
You may want to check your and your classmates′ ideas from the readings on the discussion boards to help you think of a topic.
Unless you have a very compelling idea, smoking (any kind), abortion, capital punishment, and gun regulation are not good topics for this paper. Also, heavily science-based topics like climate change don′t work well as you′re usually not going against the status quo (see Chapter 4: Argument in week 5). I’ve allowed students to use these topics in the past, and even with guidance, the papers tend not to turn out well. Before you choose any of these, let me know.
Be sure your essay contains:
What is your argument?
Still focus on a specific issue
Be sure that your argument is an argument. See Chapter 4: Formulating Effective Propositions [p. 83-89].
What is the problem? What things have led to the problem?
What is the solution you prefer? Why is it the best solution?
What evidence you are basing your claim on (the Backing) [Chapter 5, p. 101-102]?
Remember, the audience you are targeting does not agree with you. What can persuade them?
What can persuade them? [Chapter 8, p.175-180]
Why is your issue important?
How does it affect society today?
Why do people need to accept your argument?
What is/are the background of the topic/topics involved? What are the causes and effects of the issue?
Keep focused only on the most important and recent things that your audience needs to know about your argument: definitions, events, etc.
Don’t start too vague or too far back..
Develop logical, ethical, and emotional appeals to support your argument and convince your readers.
Don’t use all emotional appeals or logical appeals; blend the types of arguments you use.
See the Logos, Ethos, Pathos powerpoint
Avoid Using Second Person ″You″ and ″We.″
Limit Use of First Person ″I,″ ″Me,″ and ″Our.″
Cite at least eight sources; six should be academic.
Sources read for class do not count toward this total.
Be sure you are using reliable sources.
You may still use one or more class readings, but have eight other sources.
See the source reliability lecture and powerpoint on Canvas to make sure your sources are appropriate.
Detail and partially refute at least two counterarguments to your own.
These counter arguments can be from class readings. See Chapter 9: Refutation [p.189-206]
It is suggested that you find someone that actually voices the opinion, so that you are not accused of attacking something that nobody argues.
Try to find someone prominent (a government official or famous person) to base your counterargument on.
Be clear and concise.
Use proper essay structure and format: thesis statements, topic sentences, transitions, etc.
This essay should be at least 2,500 words long.
This essay must be in MLA format with Works Cited.
Be sure to include a Works Cited Page in MLA format. If you are confused, try to assemble it first, then see a tutor.
