In this 6–8-page essay, you will be crafting a position argument that calls on you, the writer, to identify an arguable issue of your choice. After identifying your issue, take a position on that issue. Are you for the issue? Against the issue?
In this 6–8-page essay, you will be crafting a position argument that calls on you, the writer, to identify an arguable issue of your choice. After identifying your issue, take a position on that issue. Are you for the issue? Against the issue? For the issue with exceptions? Against the issue with exceptions? Remember that things are not always black and white, and likely, after doing some research, your stance will change slightly. Don’t shy away from this change if it happens!
Use reputable sources to back up your position on the issue. For this paper, you will be required to have a minimum of 6 sources. They should be academic, reputable sources that pass the CRAAP test. One additional source should be primary research (an interview, survey, etc.) that you conduct yourself.
At some point in your essay, you will want to consider and respond to other perspectives that may conflict with or challenge your own (rebuttal and counterargument). Use reputable sources to back up your consideration of the opposing viewpoints. This shows that you have truly researched both sides of the issue.
Conclude by calling your reader to action. You’ve likely told us why this is an important issue within the body of your paper. Now, tell your reader: why should they join you on your stance on the issue? Where can we go from here in order to create change?
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to utilize the skills you’ve been building thus far in the class (close reading, summary, rhetorical analysis, and synthesis) to aid in your craft of an extended persuasive argument. In this paper, you must be able to articulate a strong claim (thesis statement) that has been developed throughout the drafting and revision process. This is important because thinking critically prepares you to understand and respond to the many controversial issues you will encounter in your personal and professional lives.
Goals:
Participate in and contribute to the larger conversation around your topic.
Understand research as inquiry-based – as that which evolves from informed, well-crafted questions.
Understand that argument is rhetorically complex and not reducible to pro/con positions.
Articulate a claim and support it with relevant, timely evidence.
Acknowledge counterclaims while maintaining control of your argument.
Select and balance a variety of sources that relate to your argument.
Integrate source material by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
Develop and sustain an idea through a well-organized, thesis-driven essay supported with relevant evidence and examples.
Demonstrate reasonable sentence-level control, including syntax and grammar competency, and cite source material using citation conventions.
Audience
Just like with the Critical Analysis, the Researched Argument’s audience will be those interested in the argument. You should tailor your argument to those who oppose the stance you are taking.
For example, if I were writing my researched argument with a stance that opposes the applicability of “all lives matter” as a response to “Black Lives Matter,” I would be framing the argument for those who believe that saying “all lives matter” is an appropriate response to the BLM movement. When doing this, I will be carefully and respectfully noting that I see the point they are trying to make, but that it is (again, respectfully) helpful to neither the movement nor their own position to use this rebuttal. As the writer, I will be aware that those who support the Black Lives Matter movement will be reading the essay (as they will want to hear what others are saying and gain more knowledge about the issues at hand), but it is the opposition that the essay will be trying to convince.
Stance
Unlike the Critical Analysis, your stance will be front and center in this paper. You will be taking a side (for or against something).
However, you will also be considering the opposing point of view as you write. To write a convincing argument, you want to show those you are trying to convince that you have considered their viewpoint but have discredited it due to reasons you will list throughout the paper.
It is a rhetorical choice that will appeal to the emotion of the reader, helping them to read not out of anger (and already looking for all the ways to discredit you as the author), but with open eyes.
Format
6-8 pages
12 point, Times New Roman font
Double Spaced
1” Margins
MLA format
Word Documen