Research Essay#2 Prompt–Argumentation-Persuasion
Purpose:The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to write a position paper that defends your position on a controversial issue. “For this
assignment, you will need to select an issue [See the research Essay # 1-
Argument/Persuasion Prompt], take a stand, develop a clear position, and
assemble evidence that supports your view” (Kennedy et. al. 132). Your
introduction should present your issue, provide background, and state the
claim you intend to support. According to your text, “Your purpose isn’t to
solve a social or moral problem but to make clear exactly where you stand
on an issue and to persuade your readers to respect your position, perhaps
even to accept it. As you reflect on your topic, you may change your
position, but don’t shift positions in the middle of your essay” (Kennedy et.al
130). In constructing your claim, strive to develop audience-based reasons.
The body of your argument should summarize and respond to opposing
views as well as present reasons and evidence in support of your own
position. You will need to use at least 5 outside sources to supplement the
evidence (logos) you may have in order to create a positive ethos
(credibility).
Objectives:
Students should be able to:
1. To take a stand on an issue
2. Offer reasons and evidence in support of a controversial position of a
particular issue.
3. Summarize and respond to alternative views
Johnson ENGL 1102 Major Research Essay Prompt 1
4. Use MLA documentation
practices to document research evidence that they have integrated
into their arguments.
5. Use the components of the Classical Approach to argument as
studied in class.
Assignment:
Find a controversy that arouses your interest from the list below.
“Write a research paper, following the steps outlined in Chapters 26-
30 of your ebook [See ACHIEVE]: once you have developed a focused
research question about your topic, conduct research evaluating your
sources and keeping the information you assemble organized and
manageable (this would be your evaluative annotated bibliography).
Develop your own reasonable answer to your research question and
use evidence from sources to support your claim. Then draft, revise
[using feedback from your peer and the tutor at tutor.com] and, and
edit your paper, persuasively using a variety of source material [the
five sources from your evaluative annotated bibliography] to convey
your conclusions” (Kennedy et. al. 450).
Topics: (If it is a research question, answer it to take a stand and get
your thesis. If it is a thesis statement, generate a question that the
statement answers.]
2. Should women in the military services in the US be allowed to
perform combat duty? [Research question. Answer it to take a
stand and generate your thesis/claim]
The paper should include the following key features:
4-5 pages minimum (not including the Works Cited page)
MLA Format and Documentation are IMPERATIVE (Must have Works
Cited)
Introduction with thesis statement
Supporting evidence for thesis
Clear body paragraphs
Responses to opposing viewpoints
Conclusion that summarizes the main point
Appropriate documentation of the five sources used in the paper.
Look at the rubric for this essay provided in Module 4!!! Make
sure your essay confirms to what the rubric outlines so that
your essay could achieve the grade for which you aim. I HAVE ATTACHED THE example the professor gave us to repilcate.
