APA format :
Your audience is made up of your fellow Penn Foster classmates. Many
will agree with you, while others will disagree. You need to present
evidence to support your analysis and solution, and convince your
audience through the strength of your argument and the feasibility of
your solution, to side with you.
Research Requirement
You’re required to use a minimum of four secondary sources in your
essay. Use the Research Writing and Citation and Documentation
webinar, Journal Entry 16, and the Argument Essay Research
Worksheet to help start your research and organize your essay.
The required secondary sources are
At least two articles from Penn Foster’s digital library database,
Gale Academic OneFile Select
At least one nonprofit or government organization (online or print).
Look for website domains .org, .edu, and .gov.
One source that you choose.
Remember that all sources, no matter where they come from, should be
evaluated for accuracy and validity. You may use more than four
sources, but you should avoid using more than six. Borrowing too much
from too many sources will overwhelm your voice in your essay and
negatively affect your grade. It could also lead to plagiarism.
Process
1. Once you’ve chosen your topic, read through the Argument Essay
slideshow and watch the Argument Essay Instructions video. You
should also complete the Argument Essay Worksheet. This doesn’t
need to be turned in, but you should find it helpful.
2. You should develop your thesis statement, choose a method of
organization, create an outline or graphic organizer, and begin
drafting your essay.
As you draft your essay, ensure that you’re incorporating your sources
accurately and responsibly. Remember to include the sources you use
in your essay in your list of references.
You’ll be using APA citation and documentation style to give credit to
your sources.
3. Begin with an introduction that gives a broad overview of your topic.
© 2019 Penn Foster English Composition (v4) : Lesson 8 : Page 6
Inc.
End this introduction with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement
must make your argument and name three supporting reasons.
These reasons must be named in the same order they’re discussed
in the body paragraphs.
4. Each body paragraph must describe one reason, with the exception
of the last body paragraph before the conclusion; this paragraph
must consider your opposition.
5. End with a conclusion that reinforces your thesis statement and
names your three reasons.
