Final Researched Argument For your final assignment, you need to articulate a we

Final Researched Argument
For your final assignment, you need to articulate a well-reasoned argument, support that argument with extensive research, use all of the means of persuasion (i.e., ethos, pathos, logos), address counterarguments, and suggest a reasonable course of action. Persuade your readers to agree with you. Take a stand.
MAKE YOUR ARGUMENT
Open your paper with a strong thesis statement. You may want to preface your thesis with a little background information, especially if you are writing about an obscure topic, but I recommend that you state your thesis by the end of your first paragraph
SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT
A good way to support your argument is to structure your essay around your reasons for your thesis. Create a list of reasons for your argument and address those reasons one at a time. Along the way, you should support your argument with facts, quotes, and evidence. Keep in mind that this is an argumentative research paper, not an opinion piece based on gut feelings. Most of your sentences should contain citations.
Do not overuse quotes. You are the author, not the copy-paster. Use short quotes only to illustrate others’ opinions. If it’s a question of simply relaying information, summarize the concepts in your own words and provide a citation. Again, most of your sentences should contain citations, but that doesn’t mean every paragraph should contain a quote. You may use two block quotes in the essay. See the PowerPoint on block quotes and graphs for details. Address counterarguments in a meaningful way. You may have to make some concessions and provide rebuttals, but if your argument is based on good evidence, you should be able to show your readers why opposing arguments are flawed in some way.
After you’ve established your argument, knock out the counterarguments early so you can focus on your argument. Walk us through your thinking, step by step.
CONCLUDE YOUR ARGUMENT
A conclusion is a good opportunity to declare why your argument is important. Tell us what is at stake. You may also want to return to a previous analogy or call for action, but consider avoiding hackneyed phrases such as “to conclude” or “in conclusion.” A shift in focus to the larger issue should indicate that your essay is drawing to a close.
TIPS
Avoid the first-person point of view.
Avoid addressing the reader directly. Avoid “you.”
Always provide citations so your readers can verify evidence. Citations are not just for quotes. Anytime you discuss evidence beyond common knowledge, you need a citation.
Write in paragraphs. Avoid bulleted lists.
Do not cite interviews that you personally conducted. Your sources must be verifiable.
You may use up to two pages of graphs. See the PowerPoint regarding block quotes and graphs for details.
Review the guidelines for writing an A paper in the syllabus.
THE BASICS
3000 – 3600 words (i.e., ten to twelve pages, not including the Works Cited/References page)
Works Cited/References page with a minimum of ten agreed-upon sources that you cite in your essay. You may use more sources if you wish, but avoid personal interviews and amateur blogs.
MLA or APA format, but be careful not to combine them.