Please see the files attached here that include the argument essay.
Below are two files.
A. Instructions
Remember the word “argument” does not mean a fight in a writing context. An academic argument is more like a thoughtful conversation between two people with differing viewpoints on a debatable issue. However, you are required to take a position on one side of the issue.
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the touchstone.
Your submission must include an APA-style reference page following the essay. In your research, you will need 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources to use as support in your essay.
On a separate page, below your reference page, include thoughtful answers to the Think About Your Writing questions. References and Think About Your Writing questions are NOT included in the word count for this essay.
B. Think About Your
Writing
Below your reference page, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
1. What have you learned about how to present a strong argument? How could/will you apply this knowledge in your professional or everyday life (3-4 sentences)? Sophia says: Think about the specific skills and techniques that you used while developing and writing your essay. What tools will you take with you from this experience?
2. Consider the English Composition I course as a whole. What have you learned about yourself as a writer (5-6 sentences)? Sophia says: What did you learn that surprised you? Is there anything that you have struggled with in the past that you now feel more confident about?
C. Argumentative Essay
Guidelines
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your research essay until it meets these guidelines.
Argumentative Topic and Thesis Statement
❒ Have you included a thesis that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue?
Argument Development
❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?
❒ Is the argument supported using rhetorical appeals and source material?
❒ Is your essay 4-6 pages (approximately 1000-1500 words)? If not, which details do you need to add or delete?
Research
❒ Have you cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, or paraphrase?
❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?
❒ Have you referenced a range of 2-4 credible sources?
❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essa?
Organization and Flow
❒ Is there an introduction, conclusion, adequate body paragraphs, and a counterargument?
❒ Is the argument presented in a logical order and easy for the reader to follow?
❒ Are there transitions within and between paragraphs?
Style
❒ Are the word choices accurate and effective?
❒ Are the sentence structures varied?
Conventions and Formatting
❒ Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines?
❒ Have you double-checked for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting, and capitalization?
❒ Have you proofread for typos?
Before You Submit
❒ Have you answered all of the Think About Your Writing questions on a separate page below your reference page? Are your answers thoughtful and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
❒ Does your submission include your essay, followed by your reference page, followed by your Think About Your Writing questions?
E. Requirements
The essay should be 4-6 pages (approximately 1000-1500 words in length
Argumentative Essay Guidelines must be followed or submission will not be graded
Double-space the essay and use 1-inch margins
Use a readable 12-point font
All writing must be appropriate for an academic context
Composition must be original and written for this assignment
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited
Submission should include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition
Your submission must include the essay, reference page, and your answers to the refection questions
Submit a single file only, including all assignment components
Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Understand the Assignment
Your task is to write an argumentative essay on a debatable issue. The goal is not to get into a fight with opposing views, but to have a thoughtful conversation with evidence supporting your stance. Your essay must have a clear thesis (your position on the issue) and provide 2-4 credible sources to back your claims.
Keep in mind that plagiarism is strictly prohibited, so your work must be original and newly written for this course. You’ll need to answer some reflective questions after your essay, but those will not count toward your word count.
Step 2: Choose a Topic and Develop a Thesis
Your first major task is choosing a debatable issue. This should be something where people hold differing viewpoints, allowing you to argue one side of the issue. Once you’ve chosen a topic, craft a thesis statement that clearly states your position.
Example Thesis Statement:
- “The use of social media should be regulated to protect young users’ mental health.”
Your thesis needs to take a clear position—do not leave room for ambiguity.
Step 3: Conduct Research
Now that you’ve got your thesis, it’s time to find credible sources. You need at least 2-4 sources, and they can either be primary or secondary sources (e.g., research studies, books, academic journal articles, or credible websites). While researching, keep in mind that only credible sources should be used to support your argument. As you gather information, consider how each source will support or strengthen your thesis.
Tip for Incorporating Sources: When you bring in information from your sources, make sure to paraphrase, quote, or summarize them properly using APA citation style.
Step 4: Create an Outline
Before you start writing, it’s helpful to create an outline. This will help organize your thoughts and ensure your essay flows logically. A typical argumentative essay structure includes:
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Introduction
- Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention.
- Introduce the issue at hand and lead to your thesis statement.
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Body Paragraphs
- Each paragraph should present a point that supports your thesis.
- Use evidence from your sources to back up each claim.
- Consider presenting a counterargument to show you understand differing viewpoints, then refute it to strengthen your own argument.
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Conclusion
- Summarize your key points and restate your thesis.
- Leave the reader with something to think about—often a call to action or a thought-provoking statement.
Step 5: Write the First Draft
Once your outline is ready, start writing your essay. Focus on getting your ideas down first without worrying too much about perfection. Be sure to:
- Start with a strong introduction that leads to your thesis.
- Use evidence from your sources to support your points in each body paragraph.
- Refute opposing viewpoints to make your argument stronger.
- End with a conclusion that summarizes your points and reinforces your thesis.
Remember, your essay should be 4-6 pages long (1000-1500 words).
Step 6: Reflect on Your Writing Process
After finishing your essay, you’ll need to answer some reflective questions on your writing process. These answers should go below your reference page and should not be included in your word count.
Reflection Questions:
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What have you learned about presenting a strong argument?
Reflect on the techniques you used in developing and writing your essay. Consider how you can apply these skills in your professional or personal life.
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What have you learned about yourself as a writer?
Think about your growth throughout the course. What surprised you about your abilities? Is there something you struggled with previously but feel more confident about now?
Step 7: Revise and Edit
It’s time to go back and revise your essay. Look for areas where you can improve your clarity, argument development, and flow. Here’s a checklist to help you:
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Argument Development:
- Does your essay stay on topic?
- Are all your points relevant to your thesis?
- Have you incorporated rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, pathos) effectively?
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Source Integration:
- Are your sources smoothly incorporated into the text with proper citations?
- Have you referenced 2-4 credible sources?
-
Organization and Flow:
- Does your essay have a logical order (introduction, body paragraphs, counterargument, conclusion)?
- Are there clear transitions between paragraphs?
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APA Style:
- Have you cited your sources properly?
- Is your reference page formatted according to APA guidelines?
-
Grammar and Formatting:
- Have you double-checked for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors?
- Is your essay double-spaced with 1-inch margins and a 12-point readable font?
Step 8: Format and Final Submission
Ensure your essay meets the following submission requirements:
- Double-spaced text with 1-inch margins
- Use a readable 12-point font
- Include your name, course name, and date at the top of the essay
- Ensure your reference page follows APA format
- Submit only one file containing your essay, reference page, and reflection questions
Once everything is formatted correctly, submit your essay as a .doc or .docx file.
Step 9: Submit and Celebrate!
After ensuring that everything is in place—your essay, reference page, and reflection questions—it’s time to submit your work. You’ve worked hard to get here, so take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment!
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to confidently write your argumentative essay, present a well-supported argument, and reflect on your writing growth. Best of luck with your assignment!