Essay 1 – Rogerian Argument Directions, Guidelines, Requirements, & Paper Topic

Essay 1 – Rogerian Argument
Directions, Guidelines, Requirements, & Paper Topic
This paper must adhere to the following requirements:
• Eight-paragraphs ONLY + a Works Cited page:
o 2—introduction paragraphs, no quotes allowed
o 4—body paragraphs, with one quote in each paragraph
o 1—refutation paragraph, no quotes allowed
o 1—conclusion paragraph, no quotes allowed
• Use MLA formatting and rules of citation (Arial 12-point font ONLY; review other rules in The
Norton MLA Handbook)
• Use 4-cited sources from research (all evidence must be cited using MLA Rules and
Guidelines for In-text/Parenthetical Citation see pages 496 – 515 of the textbook: Everything’s
An Argument, with Readings.
Provide only one-piece of evidence/one quote in each body paragraph!
Evidence is
• a direct quote
• paraphrased information/a condensed version of the ideas of an author, usually no more than
3-sentences
• statistics from a credible source
• If you are unsure whether a piece of information or a source is credible, discuss it with me
before using it.
• Underline the thesis statement and placed it as the last sentence of the second introduction
paragraph. If not, I will assume you did not create a thesis and deduct 20-points (see grading
rubric in unit folder).
• Essay must have an original title of your own creation
• No title page allowed; use the MLA formatted, 5-line, required heading
• Must create a Works Cited page (see pages 496 – 515 of the textbook: Everything’s An
Argument, with Readings).
Paper topic: Why should Internet users always ensure that they seek unbiased information? (write the essay on the basis of thesis)
Thesis Statement: In the time when the internet is a major influence on ideas and choices. it is essential for internet users to remain at for objective information since doing so protects the values for our democratic society.
There is so much content available on the internet that it can be challenging to sort through and find reliable resources therefore some people claim that it is difficult to search for unbiased information.
Some who oppose it may argue that it is impossible to be completely objective since people are biased and have personal opinions when they assess facts.
Some may argue that it is the internet user’s duty, not the information sources, to review and verify the facts of the content they consume.
Some may argue that promoting unbiased information violates free expression and restricts various points of view, might lead to restriction or protection.
After reading the primary and secondary sources provided, choose a specific avenue on the Internet,
and create an argument “for” its redeeming value or an “argument” against its lack of redeeming
value:
• Wikipedia
• Meta (formally known as FaceBook)
• TikTok
• Instagram
• X (formally known as Twitter)
• OnlyFans
• YouTube
• Google
• the over reliance on Google for researching academic topics
• believing, without further research, what one reads, sees, and hear on the Internet (i. e.:
obscure, unverified websites, YouTube channels, self-published articles, etc.)
This argument/debate must contain a thesis statement in which you
• briefly state four reasons “for” or “against” its value
or
• briefly state a theory “for” or “against” its value, then in each body paragraph provide a specific
reason that stems from your theory
Finally, provide, in each body paragraph, credible evidence to support the idea(s) in your thesis and
persuade readers to agree with your position in this debate.
How to organize The Rogerian Argument
I.1st Introduction Paragraph
Provide background information on debate topic.
Don’t assume that the audience is as familiar with this subject and debate as the author.
Provide the audience with basic, necessary information to understand this subject.
No quotes allowed in this paragraph.
II. 2nd Introduction Paragraph (moves the audience towards your position in this debate)
Sets the context for your position.
No quotes allowed in this paragraph.
Thesis Statement—underlined last sentence of this paragraph: Precisely and concisely state
the debate and a position.
III. Four Body Paragraphs w/one piece of evidence in each
Topic sentence
Sub-topic sentence
Evidence = quote/example/statistic/case study, etc. (Evidence supports the position being
argued. Without it, an argument/debate does not exist, just an opinion, which is
unacceptable.)
Critical Analysis = the explanation of “how” and/or “why” this evidence supports your
position—a minimum of three sentences
Transition sentence to next paragraph
IV. Refutation Paragraph – Objections to your position
Positions opposed to the one being argued.
Provide at least 3-reasons against your position.
Create two-concise sentences for each reason, but do not counter-argue these reasons.
No quotes allowed in this paragraph.
Refutation must be presented in a separate paragraph, just before the conclusion paragraphor
immediately after the second introduction paragraph.
V. Conclusion Paragraph
Do not start this paragraph with the phrase “In conclusion.”
It must bring the essay to an end that flows logically and gracefully from the rest of theessay.
No quotes allowed in this paragraph.
Here, you can provide your opinion using first person (“I think; I believe; I know; etc.).
This is the only place where you are allowed to use 1st person voice (i.e.: I, me, my, mine
MLA 2021 citation is required.