The argumentative research essay requires you to investigate a specific topic. Through this investigation, you will collect, generate, and evaluate evidence. You will then establish a claim or position on this topic in a clear and concise manner and argue your position over the course of the essay.
Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.
The argumentative research paper allows you to demonstrate your skills at composing a complex paper that blends research with your own prose. This paper represents the culmination of work we’ve done all semester and will use many of these skills: description, analysis, synthesis, definition, etc. At its core, however, the argumentative research paper is an argument, which requires you to make an audience believe that what you have to say has merit.
OUTLINE IS REQUIRED AWELL
Page Count: 6-8 pages (Do not exceed 8 pages)
Format: MLA format, heading, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, 1” margins, Work Cited page, in text citations, etc.
Argument Thesis: You will need to come up with a thesis that is debatable and directly makes a claim about your chosen prompt. You claim on this topic should be clear from your thesis (i.e. Convicted felons should be eligible to vote after they are released from prison, even when on parole and probation).
Main Points: You will need to choose 4 main points to support your thesis. Each of your main points should include 1-2 pieces of evidence to support your main point.
Counterclaim/Rebuttal: You will need to choose 1 point that is in opposition to your argument and present that counterclaim, then refute it with evidence from your sources.
Resources: You will need to use at least FIVE credible sources for this essay, ONE of which must be found through ECC’s electronic databases. If you are unsure how to use the database, please watch the two videos I posted to Canvas. You will need to use ALL FIVE sources within the essay, it is not enough to include it on your Works Cited page.