Argument Essay
Page Length: at least 3.5 to 4 full double-spaced,
typed pages. The Works Cited list goes on a separate page and does not
count toward page length.
Document Format: MLA Essay Format
Due Date: First Draft: Saturday, May 6
I. Description
of the Assignment:
Topic: The death
penalty
In your essay, you
must take a position in support of or in opposition to the death penalty.
The two essays on
the death penalty in the Chapter on Argument in The Brief Bedford Reader may be
used as two of your sources.
Your topic must
have at least two clear sides or points of view
that can be argued effectively in an essay. You must take a position in your essay, which should be clearly
reflected in your thesis statement.
II. Directions
You must state at
least three reasons for your opinion, and include facts, statistics, expert
opinions, or examples to support your position.
You must also cite at least three sources
in your paper, and list them both within the text of your essay and in a
Works Cited list at the end. Use the MC databases for additional
sources. These databases are excellent for argument: Gale in Context:
Opposing Viewpoints, SIRS Researcher, and CQ Researcher. Please note that Wikipedia, on-line encyclopedias,
and religious texts: the Bible, the Koran, etc. may not be used as sources.
You must read opposing
viewpoints and address them in a reasonable manner in at least one
paragraph in your paper.
III. Writing Instructions
1.
In the first paragraph, introduce the
general topic of your essay in a way that attracts your reader’s attention, and
make sure you have a thesis statement.
The thesis statement can be more than one sentence and should clearly
explain your point of view.
2. To
structure your essay, follow essay Pattern 1 or Pattern 2 in Module 4 on
Argument. Include clear body
paragraphs with topic sentences that support the three or four main reasons for your point of view. Quote
from or paraphrase your sources, and make sure to cite your sources and use quote marks where
necessary to avoid plagiarism.
Make sure to mention at least
one opposing viewpoint in your essay and refute it with reasonable
arguments.
3. The
conclusion (final paragraph) should wrap up the discussion and give the
reader something to think about.
4. In
terms of style, use third person. Do not use “I” or “you” and do
not use contractions.
5. Write clear, comprehensible sentences to get
your point across.
6. Give your essay an original title.
7. Your
final paper should have no grammar errors.
IV. Assessing the
Writing Situation:
Audience: This essay should be written with a general
college-level audience in mind. It
should be a formal essay.
Tone: Your tone should be reasonable, fair, and
thoughtful. Be open to different points
of view. Be cautious in your claims
unless you know something for certain.
Purpose: Your purpose is to present, in a reasonable
way, your perspective on an important issue.
Write your essay in a manner that would influence the opinion of others.