Major Writing Project IV – Researched Classical Argument Essay
English 1302 – Composition II
Defining the Purpose of Research Writing
Research papers are written for a variety of purposes, including exposition (informative), argument (persuasive), analysis, feasibility, and proposal. For this assignment, you will write a researched argument following the classical argument format as practiced by Aristotle and the ancient Greeks.
Researched Argument
As you write your researched argument, you will be incorporating the researched materials you have gathered as well as utilizing the synthesis, persuasive, and organizational skills you have acquired. Although you will be working with the same topic you have been researching and writing about, it will be necessary to rephrase your “original” research question in the form of an arguable proposition. Remember: an arguable proposition is one about which reasonable people can and do disagree, so you will need to take a stand on the topic/issue you have been researching.
Project Specifics
Writing Project Specifics – Classical Argument Essay
A classical argument essay includes the following elements:
* an engaging introduction that encourages the audience to read further
* an introductory section that explains and defines the issue being discussed and establishes relevancy
* a clearly defined thesis statement which takes a stand on the issue about which you are writing
* logical claims concerning and strong support for your thesis statement
* acknowledgment and refutation of opposing views
* a sense of goodwill between writer and readers
* a strong conclusion
When selecting the format you will use, consider the argument you will be making. Which argument style and format seems suited to your topic and position?
Technical Aspects of the Writing Project
Your essay should be a minimum of 6 typed, double-spaced pages (not including the Works Cited list) and include the appropriate (1”) margins, headings, and other technical textual requirements as detailed by the professional style (APA or MLA) you have chosen to use.
