A well-formed argument, one that will persuade readers that your point of view is based on solid evidence, presents a carefully chosen and developed claim (thesis) with persuasively compelling reasons and evidence to support that claim.
For this project you will have a minimum of eight pagesto take a stance on a debatable issue, or propose an idea, and support it with credible researched evidence. Your thesis/main claim should not be in the form of a question, should not waver, and should not be an ‘I believe’ statement; it should confidently state the claim you want your audience to accept.
You will be required to cite a minimum of five crediblesources using correct MLA formatting and style guidelines. The topic and claim are completely in your hands for this project, so be sure to choose a topic that is: debatable, sufficiently narrow, and interesting.
Make sure your topic is arguable. No subjective arguments (“This is better than that”), or statements of fact (“Global warming affects the planet”). No arguments rooted in conspiracies or religion/faith as well, as these types of arguments often involve asking your reader to take a leap of faith with you. Your argument must be provable with credible evidence from reliable sources. Aim for a debatable issue that will give you some room to argue.IMPORTANT! Keep the following in mind as you compose your essay:
• Don’t rely on one to two sources, distribute all your sources throughout the essay
• This is a research project, not a rant, or an exploration of your personal feelings. Make a claim and support it with evidence.
• Avoid a string of quotations/paraphrases; the majority of your essay should be your own words
• Do not write an essay that is purely informational; be BOLD, take a stand on an issue or propose a logical idea/solution to an issue. Papers with no definite stance will not succeed.
• Lengthy quotes and paraphrases should be avoided
• I (the instructor) am not part of your audience; think of your audience as skeptical, but rational people, that are interested in knowing more about your issue
• No AI-Generated text.
Useful Questions:
1. Is there an arguable thesis statement?
2. Does the title capture my readers’ attention?
3. Does the introduction capture the readers’ attention?
4. Are there any instances where the supporting evidence is irrelevant?
5. Is supporting evidence sufficient and compelling enough to convince the
audience?
6. Am I using appeals effectively
7. Have I written with my audience in mind?
8. Does my conclusion succinctly wrap up my argument?
9. Is MLA style used correctly?
