Write a well-researched critical thinking oriented argument essay that takes a clear stand in its
conclusion on a controversial topic chosen from the list (or other approved topic). After an
introduction that eases the reader into the topic over approximately a full page, thoroughly present
one side of the argument for a number of paragraphs, citing sources along the way with
parenthetical MLA style citations. Repeat the same procedure for the viewpoint that represents the
opposing view. Again, that’s not merely a different view, it is a thorough examination of the
opposing side. Each of those two body sections should be equivalent or nearly so in length. Then in
a detailed conclusion section two or more pages in length, comparatively evaluate the evidence you
collected and clearly state what side (not both) of the argument you are on in your conclusion and
why. (Understand, we always have the right to change our mind given new information in the future;
this conclusion just shows where you are on the issue at the moment.)
When bringing sources of information into your essay, emphasize paraphrasing and
summarizing. Have no quotations or almost none. (It’s perfectly okay to have a few lines, but that’s
it!) Wikipedia and online dictionaries do not count as sources for this assignment.
Format: length = 8 to 12 double-spaced pages; font size 12; 1” margins; follow MLA 8th Edition
standards like having each section (the introduction, for example) named and numbered. We have
an MLA guide in our materials this week.
Use of Critical Thinking Terms: Use terms throughout like ethos, pathos and logos. Your mission is
not to “prove” anything. Instead, you are presenting and evaluating the best evidence you can find,
and drawing your own conclusions while using the critical thinking terms and concepts as found
throughout in Asking the Right Questions and other materials we have worked with including the
SDSU WPA-related assignments. Include an MLA style Works Cited page at the end. (The Works
Cited page does not count as one of the pages of the essay.) Also, cite sources with parenthetical
MLA in-text citations [example: (Spinoza 38).] as needed throughout the essay
our grade will be determined by the following:
• How thoroughly and balanced you researched and presented the opposing views;
• How well you applied critical thinking concepts from the textbook and other course materials;
• How well you explained your conclusion — why you took the side you chose; and
• Adherence to the conventions of college essays including organization, grammar, citation of sources and how thoroughly you met the essay requirements that are related in this document.
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