Argument Essay Assignment (Project II)

Argument Paper--Project 2--

• Topic/ preliminary thesis statements due Tuesday 2/21/12



• "Final" Draft due to gotprofkiefer@gmail.com by noon on 3/8/12
  

English 1031/1032 Project 2:

Argument Paper Definition: Argumentative writing takes a specific position on a subject and attempts to persuade readers their position is valid.

Conventions:
• An appropriate topic (note: arguable topics allow people to possess difference opinions on the topic though they must share at least one point of disagreement. Non-arguable topics are based on personal taste or preference, or they cannot be resolved with reasons appropriate for an academic context.)


• A clear position. In academic writing, the stance is usually laid out in a thesis, though not always.
• A set of reasons stating why the writer’s position is valid.
• Evidence used to support the reasons. The evidence should be appropriate for the audience and context.
• Awareness of opposing viewpoints. These opposing viewpoints can be responded to in multiple ways: acknowledgement, accommodation and refutation.

Purpose: To strengthen practices for assessing audience and to explore and reflect on practices for developing arguments; to practice the effective integration of information from other authors/texts to support your argument; and to gain experience writing for real-world audiences.

Description of the assignment: Develop a position on a controversial issue (we will brainstorm a list of acceptable topics in class). Specifically you must take a position with respect to a specific statement on your issue put forward by government, business or some other social organization. (Optional)

In other words - your argument must similar to Dr. King's letter in that it must be a reply to and/or extend of an already stated position regarding your topic. As you develop your position, you will need to make specific references to what others have argued, and you will need to refer to appropriate authorities (facts, experts, research, etc) to support your argument. You will set forward your position as a traditional persuasive essay (similar to the writing by King).

Criteria for Essay:
1) a clear statement of your position;
2) detailed, complex presentation of issues affecting your position (with specific references to the positions argued by various "sides");
3) a series of logical claims or points to justify your position;
4) references from at least 3 sources with MLA format Works Cited page;
5) overt connections between claims and support; ;
6) presentation and refutation of relevant counterarguments (replies to the other side's arguments);
7) clear, logical organization including effective use of paragraphing;
8) effective use of paraphrasing and quotation;
9) sentences relatively free from errors.

Length and form of essay:
MLA format (no title page). Word processed. Minimum 1000 words.

Due Dates:

• Topics & preliminary theses to Gotprofkiefer@gmail.com— noon on 2/21/12



• DEADLINE/Final DRAFT— due by noon on 3/8/12;