Assignment: Researching and Arguing a claim This assignment asks you to deliver your research argument in the form of a 2000+ word academic research paper utilizing at least 8 sources

Researched Argument Paper

(2000 – 2200 words)

 Assignment: Researching and Arguing a claim

This assignment asks you to deliver your research argument in the form of a 2000+ word academic research paper utilizing at least 8 sources. Your research paper should include an argumentative thesis that represents your own claim about your topic. Sources can be online or print as appropriate to your topic, but be sure to consider the ethos and credibility of your sources.

Argumentative papers are any essay where you are trying to convince the reader that your view of the subject is valid. Note that you are not trying to convince the reader that your view or position is the ONLY way to see the subject. The key is to think defensively: you are trying to explain why YOU see the subject this way. More importantly, you want to base your argument on solid evidence. Your entire argument should be based on evidence from reliable sources. 

An argument paper presents a claim about an issue. The goal of an argument paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and worth listening to. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic, developing your argument, and organizing your paper. It is very important to ensure that you are presenting it in a manner that is easy for your audience to understand. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to address the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.

Tasks for writing the paper:

Create a clear, firm, and debatable thesis/claim

An effective thesis statement is an important foundational element of any essay, but it is of even greater importance in an argument paper.  The reader needs to know exactly what the argument is and why it is important; there can be no confusion.  Your introduction should lead up to a thesis that organizes the rest of your paper. There are three advantages to leading with the thesis: A) The audience knows where you stand. B) The thesis is located in the two strongest places, first and last. C) It is the most common form of academic argument used.

Provide the necessary background information on the topic

A bit of background information is often needed early in the essay to understand the argument.  For example, if the writer is arguing that a certain amendment to the state constitution should be passed, it is probably necessary to describe what changes the amendment would make and whether or not a similar amendment has been proposed at some point.

Focus on organization and transitions

While transitions are important in any type of essay, they are particularly important in an argument essay.  This is because the argument essay involves multiple reasons and evidence to support the overall thesis, and counter arguments are often discussed and refuted as well.  

Argument essays can be organized in a variety of ways.  Regardless of the order in which it is organized, all argument essays should explain and support several reasons why the argument is valid and explain and refute several opposing arguments offered by the other side.  

All writers will benefit from creating an outline to organize all of the information that will be presented, and this benefit becomes even greater with longer argument essays. 

Perform effective and thorough research

You will work on incorporating your research into the paper.  Make sure to perform a significant amount of research before fully committing to a topic.  This is important because you need to make sure there are enough credible sources that can be used in your essay.  You don’t want to commit to a topic and begin writing the essay only to later discover that you can’t find enough quality sources to make the topic work.

Potential Outline: Below is a potential outline that might be of assistance to you.

Introductory paragraph

Determine your thesis statement – state your claim clearly in your opening
paragraph.Define the issue and your purpose to your readers. Why are you writing about this?
Why should your audience be interested?Getting the reader’s attention – anecdote (telling a story), startling statistic,
interesting quote, significance of your concernsThe background/history of the issue (if significant)Establish the appropriate tone for your subject and your audience

Body paragraphs

Supporting your claimState your reasons for supporting your position along with evidenceGo beyond simple assertions; consider the nature of your appeals (logos, ethos, pathos)Addressing potential opposing arguments. You may either:Concede the validity of an opposing argument by qualifying part or accepting all of it while explaining why your position is stronger, orRefute the opposing argument by stating why it is invalid or weak

Conclusion

Restate your claim/thesisState the significance of your position. How does it affect the future?Make a final emotional appeal if appropriateState a call for action (persuasive essay)Appeal for further study or research

Criteria

7-8 typed pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, one-inch margins.APA formatted References page must be included (and does not count toward the page count). Your paper must have an original title, but do not include a separate title page.You must have a minimum of eight sourcesAt least seven sources must be scholarly; one may be popular.