A classical argument presents a well-reasoned, five-part argument.
Social conflict essay–consider a problem or issue in society that you have directly experienced and has adversely affected you or someone close to you. Consider and analyze how individuals act within society and the pressures society puts on individuals or groups.
Be sure to incorporate ethos, logos, and pathos, and keep a balance of these three rhetorical appeals. Remember, remain in third person point of view unless you incorporate a personal anecdote to support your position and argument.
One interview or survey (you conduct) is needed, and observations are encouraged. You can interview someone to learn his or her perspectives or experience with the social conflict—you guide the interview to suit the needs of your paper and argument. The interview (or survey) should consist of at least one relevant question; include at least one direct quote from the interview using text weaving. For example:
Even my kind-hearted boss at Moe’s Southwest Grill believes that “no one should be allowed to post reviews on Yelp, for many Yelp reviews are suspect and inflammatory” (Miller). Remember, a personal interview must include an in-text citation (speaker tag or parenthetical citation) and be sourced on the Works Cited page. A Works Cited interview entry is simple:
Miller, George. Personal interview. 19 May 2020.
Also, one additional outside source is necessary to support your position or offer necessary background information.
Must follow classical argument format:
• Introduction—grab reader’s attention and thesis statement
• Narration—necessary background information
• Confirmation—your proof/explanations/analysis/assertions with support
• Refutation and Concession (an attempt to understand why society acts this way or this conflict exists)—to build ethos and credibility
• Conclusion—strong finish
Once you have decided upon a societal conflict/issue that resonates with you, brainstorm and gather your ideas. Some possible questions to ponder:
• What is the issue at hand, and how do you define it?
• What are the most important/significant ideas or elements of this social conflict?
• What are some perspectives surrounding this topic?
• What assumptions/biases are possibly hidden within this issue?
• What is your position? How is it similar or different from other positions?
• Who is your audience? Why should your audience care about this issue?
• What is your purpose? What do you wish to accomplish by presenting your issue? What consequences or implications might your position or recommendations have on this issue and the people involved in it?
✓ Carefully organize your paper so that it moves smoothly from ideas, information, analysis, and anecdotes.
✓ Don’t be afraid to firmly guide the reader—it is expected from an argument paper. You are in charge now, what do YOU think?
Paper Guidelines
Final draft—3 pages, MLA 8 format. Incorporate at least one interview or survey to support your argument and one outside source.
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