Argumentative Essay Directions:
Write a 5–7-page essay in MLA format that utilizes at least
6 sources and makes an argument about a current controversy. (While you will
use mostly the library tab, you should not get ALL items from SIRS alone, but
since it’s based on current arguments, it’s the BEST place to start).
Avoid overworked topics. (Remember you should not recycle
papers (or research) you’ve used for another class. If you wish to do that, you
need to be asking me for permission before turning in this assignment, and I’ll
be checking with your other instructor…. If that sounds annoying, just come
up with a topic you haven’t used before.)
There will be an annotated bibliography as well–more info
to come later.
Examine the logical fallacies area. Avoid these fallacies in
your own essay.
Consider the following questions as you build the essay.
(1) What background information is important to discuss in
the argumentative essay?
(2) How should the argument you make impact your readers?
Why will readers be interested in this topic?
(3) What target audience do you have in mind for the essay?
How will this audience benefit from reading your essay?
(4) What will your major argument or working thesis be for
this essay? (Thesis= Topic + debatable stance over the controversy and the
importance of this angle or focus.)
For annotated bibliography:
Find 10 reputable and current sources that you hope to use
in your argumentative essay to support your ideas. 7 of these sources
should come from the library tab, government documents, be actual books you can
hold in your hands, or be personal interviews. You may use regular
internet sources only three times. Determine the sources needed in each area to
support your major and minor arguments in your body paragraphs. Then, research
to find sources and develop your annotated bibliography following the steps
below. Try to ensure you have authors’ names for each source and that each
source comes from an authoritative and current book, journal, magazine,
newspaper, etc.
1) Cite each of the 10 sources you find in MLA style as
you would on a works cited page. See Purdue OWL, MLA style for citation
information. (Alphabetize and use hanging indents. Also make sure titles of
longer works like books, magazines, or journals are italicized. Ensure titles
of shorter works like titles of articles are in quotation marks.)
2) Provide a short paragraph of 1-3 sentences following
each source explaining how you will use the source in your argumentative essay.
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