I find it easier to find news outlet materials on our data bases, but the actual websites of the newspapers/outlets are acceptable. Use reliable research sources on both sides of your controversy, and use your research and your own experiential knowledge to argue a position on your topic. Choose a side and argue for something (not against something) throughout your essay. In your introduction or first body paragraph, briefly address the main counter argument, refute it, and assert that your argument is better. Use persuasive appeals (emotional, ethical, logical). Perhaps explain how your controversy affects Americans and American Culture. (or more global effects) Answer the “So What?” question to show your argument’s relevance.
Side Note:
A paper has to start somewhere….
The purpose of an introduction is to set up the ideas in your paper. An introduction paragraph or paragraphs provide the initial impression of your argument, showcases your writing style and voice, and establishes the overall quality of your work to your readers. In the case of a 7 to 9 page paper—it may take the author a good 3 to 5 developed paragraphs to arrive at a comfortable place where they feel the intro is complete. Of course, this could be accomplished in ONE focused paragraph as well. Paragraphs in academic work are generally 5 to 8 sentences.
Your introduction should captivate your audience’s interest and attention and should serve as a preview for your paper. Think of the introduction and conclusion of your essay as “bookends” that hold together your paper’s main ideas (BOOKENDS)
All introductions should convey the content, the style, and the organization for the rest of your paper.
NOTE:
Each essay genre has its own set of content but for an analysis paper (as this particular assignment is) your intro should focus on:
1) any relevant background information
2) identify author(s), musicians, artists and titles of work that you will examine
3) overview of your paper’s organization;
4) thesis statement
DO NOT ANNOUNCE WHAT THE PAPER WILL DISCUSS—SHOW–DO NOT TELL!
That means don’t write anything remotely like: “This paper will discuss..or I chose this topic because…” You may use the first person BUT sparingly—and if you choose to use it, be consistent-don’t ever jump around in point of view. Leave out phrases such as “In my opinion” or “I believe”. The pronoun “I” should be used when you are perhaps disagreeing or agreeing (or suggesting a third idea) in discussion with a supporting source OR explaining your argument about your primary source or focus. DO NOT INCLUDE “I” IN THE THESIS STATEMENT NOR POSE YOUR THESIS STATEMENT AS A QUESTION.
You may use a counter argument as you come out of your intro (or right before your thesis statement)—as your thesis statement must be debatable-for example, if you choose to discuss the relevance of the film “Jo Jo Rabbit” and its depiction of a young boy’s psyche growing up in Nazi Germany—to point out that some may argue the film is inappropriate in its portrayal of a young man’s experience coming of age in Nazi Germany. Although a counter argument is not always required in analysis paper, setting up one might help you as you build your paper’s focus.
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