Watjen’s English 1101
Spring 2013
Instructions for Argument and Persuasion Essay
Draft Due: April 3
Final Paper Due: April 24
What is an Argument and Persuasion Essay?
The argument and persuasion essay presents a position on a controversial topic and presents that position in a thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. The body of the essay presents three cogent reasons, supported by evidence, why your position is the most sensible or logical one. For this essay you will have the option to work with a group (no more than 4 per group) on a topic provided by the teacher. If you choose to participate in the group project, you will join with the members of your group to uncover the most compelling evidence to persuade your audience of your position. However, each of member of the group must write their own paper. Then, rather than present an individual PowerPoint presentation, you and your group will present one that represents the viewpoints of the entire group.
If you choose not to participate in the group project, you may choose your own topic. However, it must be controversial, and there must at least one other student in the classroom whose position or thesis statement represents the opposing viewpoint on that topic. The topic must be narrowly focused, and it must be relevant and current. You must be able to persuade me that this topic is meaningful to you and that acquiring a greater understanding of this topic is very important to you. You must also show how you plan to use this information to better an individual or society at large.
Competing Viewpoints
Since every topic will have at least one pro and one con on a specific topic, students representing opposing viewpoints will be competing to see who can provide the most persuasion argument. Winners will received a total of (5) extra points to their final grade. This competition will be grade by three or more teachers who have agreed to participate in this project. You should pretend that you are making a presentation to the CEO of a fortune 100 company and your job is to persuade this powerful individual that you know how to get to the bottom of an issue and then present that information in a clear, persuasive manner. You should dress as if you are being interviewed for a very important job.
How is it structured?
Introduction
This essay will begin with an introductory paragraph that introduces the topic, describes the issue, and includes your thesis statement. Find an engaging way to begin your essay. Try include a shocking statistic about your topic.
Body
Summarize each of your three sources, focusing on the most compelling evidence and facts presented. Make certain each paragraph is focused on one distinct point, and that every sentence directly relates to the thesis. Also, make certain that each sentence includes entirely new information, not just new to your paper but new to your audience. In other words, DO NOT STATE THE OBVIOUS! For example, if you are writing a paper on childhood obesity, do not state that children today spend too much time in front of the television eating junk food, and not enough time playing outdoors. Duh! Remember to either constantly reference the author or include an in-text citation. Finally, be certain to include your interpretation and analysis of this information. The evidence used in your paper to support your assertion—in the form of facts, statistics, direct quotations, and paraphrases—should support your viewpoint or observations and not be the essay itself. The audience should hear your voice, loudly and clearly!
Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize the main points of the paper. You may also point out the error in logic of the opposing viewpoint in your conclusion, make recommendations and suggest ways to resolve this issue, or provide a call to action. Most importantly, show the significance of this issue and its relevance to your audience. Answer the question, “So what?”
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a specific declaration that summarizes the point of view you will express in your paper. It is the basic stand you are taking, the opinion you are expressing and the assertion you will prove as reasonable about an issue. It is your controlling idea, tying together and giving direction to all other elements in your essay. Your thesis statement is the greatest unifying aspect of a paper, acting as the mortar that holds together the body of your essay, summarizing the main points of the paper "in a nutshell," and pointing toward the paper's development and the evidence you will use to support your position.
What is the format?
The essay must:
1. Be word processed.
2. Be 2-3 pages in length / minimum of 750 words.
3. Be double-spaced.
4. Have 1 inch margins on all sides.
5. Use a 12 point font/Times New Roman.
6. Have a Works Cited page as a final separate page, not to be counted as one of the 2-3.
7. Follow EXACTLY MLA format as outlined in Harbrace.
8. Contain 3 credible, unbiased sources.
9. Include a copy of material quoted or paraphrased.
Tips:
· Include a clearly stated thesis statement that includes your position and the points you will be making about your topic.
· Always address opposing viewpoints and refute your opposition by pointing out why your position is the more valid one, and when possible, your rivals’ error in thinking or analysis.
· Avoid use of personal pronouns. Phrases like “In my opinion” dilute the impact of your writing. Use an authoritative tone when writing about your topic.
· Use sources that are experts in their field, educated, and unbiased.
· Use logos, pathos, and ethos to persuade your reader: present factual evidence that reveals the logic in your assertion, use persuasive words and phrases that appeal to the readers’ emotions, and when possible, explain why your position is the most ethical one.
· Make certain your paper is not expository in nature. In other words, you are not just gathering information about a topic and then regurgitating in an essay. This essay MUST take a position about a controversial issue and support it with evidence.
· Proofread paper carefully. Because this paper is written outside of class, grading will be more rigorous and up to twenty points will be deducted for typos, misspelled words, and punctuation and grammar errors.
Where to go for outside help:
Ø Harbrace for MLA citing sources and compiling the Works Cited page.
Ø Online MLA citation examples at: http://www.libs.uga.edu/ref/mlastyle.html
Ø The Tutorial Center, open Mondays through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Ø The GHC Library staff
Ø Appointments with instructor
Ø Group study sessions
Ø The Tutorial Center: Cartersville hours
Monday 9am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Thursday 9am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm
Senior Academic Tutor: Nea Martin