Argumentative Research Essay

English 1302

Assignment:

You choose a controversial issue.
You must then choose a side of the issue and then argue for that side. You need
to research both sides so that you are informed and know both sides of the
argument.

You can either already have an
opinion on the topic or not. The most import factor is that you are able to
present a clear discussion of the issues involved and then a final solution
while providing evidence from the online research database.

Requirements:

1/ Structure and Content

Introduction and Thesis (1
paragraph)

Subtopic #1(1-2 paragraphs)

Subtopic #2 (1-2 paragraphs)

Subtopic #3 (1-2 paragraphs)

Conclusion – Solution (1-2
paragraphs)

Essay must be MLA format –including
pages numbered and Works Cited page

2/ Thesis

– Within the first introductory
paragraph, thus making it easy to locate

– Expresses your essay’s main idea and
communicates essay’s purpose

3/ Sources

–
Support all the points you make
about your topic with effective evidence so that your position is strong
analytically not emotionally.

–
Use direct quotes to support your
thesis and topic sentences.

–
Must quote at least (3) three
different sources. One of them must be a primary source (article from the
book). The other two sources must come from the Online Research Databases

4/ Mechanics

–
Commas – must have them and use them
correctly!

–
Incorporate an elevated vocabulary
ex. Positive vs. Good

–
Transitions must be apparent and
help the reader to move fluidly from one idea to the next

– Only use third person
(he, she, they, it, etc.)

– Do not use first or
second person anywhere in the essay ( I, we, us, you, your, yours

Topics:
Sex Laws

–
Write an essay that explains which author you agree with in
regards to the publication of all sex offenders’ in the media. Ask yourself if
it is truly fair for all sex offenders to be listed and does a media source
such a newspaper and/or website have the right to alert the public or is it a
witch hunt?

****Primary
Source Articles:

o
“America’s Unjust Sex Laws” pgs.
654-657

o
“Protect Yourself, Family from Sex
Offenders” pgs.657-659