English 1302/Argument essay assignment

An argument paper, grounded on logical, structured evidence, attempts to convince the reader to accept an opinion, take some action, or do both. Arguing is a process in which you identify a subject of current debate, take a position on that subject, and try to persuade others that your view is worth sharing. When you write an argument essay, you don’t just sit down and dash off your views. Consider argument as an opportunity to think things through, to gradually come to conclusions, and then, in stages, begin to draft your position with the support you have discovered. Argument is not acrimonious venting, but rather a thoughtful, patient, and civil process in which your formulate, develop and support your claims on a piece of literature we discussed in class. Begin planning your paper by identifying the main issue you will address. (theme, definition, evaluation, pattern, symbolism, historical, cultural context) Once, you have sensed what the issue is; try phrasing it as a question. If the answer would be obvious to your readers, be cautious, for you really do not have an issue if the problem you are raising can be easily answered.

The following checklist will help you in writing your first draft:
1.    What is your purpose in arguing this topic?
2.    Why do you care about this issue?
3.    Why should the reader care about this issue?
4.    What are the short term consequences of your claim?
5.    What are the long term consequences of your claim?
6.    What objections could be made to this argument?
7.    How can you answer each objection?
8.    How will you use rational appeal in your argument?
9.    How will you use emotional appeal?
10.    How will you use ethical appeal? State specifically what you can do.

Strategies for Composing
1.    Decide on a title
2.    Make choices about your style (avoid the extremes of pomposity and breezy informality)
3.    State the issue as, indeed, a question
4.    Through personal reference, state that you were first puzzled by a particular feature of the work but are now able to interpret it
5.    Indicate that you will express disagreement with existing or possible interpretations
6.    Limit plot summary
7.    Instead of reciting plot details, write about how the work you are analyzing is constructed
8.    Be careful in linking a work to the author’s own circumstances
9.    Sometimes, at least, admit that you are guessing at what the author thought
Essay criteria:
1. You need to write an organized, structured explanation of your position. Your introduction must contain your main argument which can be a proposition –a special thesis statement that names the issue and indicates which position you will take.
The body paragraphs should include evidence to support your main argument.
Conclude in a manner that will sway the reader to your side.

2. You are required to cite five sources, providing documentation for whatever you borrow

3. You must write a work cited page, following MLA format

Complete this checklist after you have written the first draft of your essay.
1.    What opening technique(s) did you use?
2.    Is your thesis clearly stated?
3.    Is the information organized in a clear and logical way?
4.    Did you use transition techniques to move smoothly to each new section?
5.    Does your conclusion provide a sense of closure without repeating the introduction?
6.    Did you use information from at least five sources?
7.    Did you follow MLA format for the in-text citations and works cited page?
8.    Did you develop each major point with enough specific evidence?
9.    Do you sound fair and reasonable in this essay?