I need 8 pages of writing. I have the cover page and the references page I can do myself; I
just need the references.
Purpose
At this point, you have spent significant time reading about your topic and considering your position in its conversation. The goal of this paper is to take a position on an arguable issue relevant to your research topic, to explain various points of view, and to support your position with evidence from research.
What is an Argument Paper?
Like the first two papers we’ve written, this paper should also supported by researched evidence and reasoning that is carefully explained for your audience. And like those two papers, you should still consider other perspectives that might conflict with or challenge your own.
But here’s what’s different: instead of simply describing the different viewpoints in the conversation around your topic you will tell your audience which viewpoint you think is most valuable—and why! Your position in the conversation will be the focal point of your paper.
Although we sometimes think of arguments as pro/con debates, they are actually rich, active, and ongoing conversations that involve multiple (i.e., more than two!) viewpoints. As well, you will likely find you don’t always agree or disagree entirely with any one position—you may agree with some aspects of someone’s position but disagree with some of their claims or their method/approach. Don’t be afraid to let your position reflect that kind of nuance.
More information about Arguments can be found in the Little Seagull Handbook (chapter W-7)
Organizing the Argument Paper
Introduction: provide a brief background of the issue, introduce your thesis/stance, and review supporting claims (evidence from your research and/or supporting reasoning).
Supporting claims: you will likely find it most useful to use separate paragraphs for each claim you introduce. In each paragraph, you should (1) explain the claim, (2) support it with evidence, (3) discuss opposing views/problems/complications, and (4) respond to those opposing views.
Other opposing views: after you have discussed your supporting claims (the bulk of the paper!), briefly introduce any remaining opposing views and respond to (refute) them.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis and main reasons you have taken your stance. Remind your readers why your stance is beneficial/valuable (answer the “so, what?”). Finally, discuss future implications (“what’s next? Where does this go in the future?”).
Requirements
At least 8 pages (double-spaced, 12pt font, 1” margins)
Thesis that takes a position on an arguable issue, supported throughout with researched evidence and reasoning
Addresses alternate or opposing viewpoints
Documentation in APA 7th edition.
