Social Issue Argumentative Research Paper
English 1302
Ms. Karn
Task: Compose an argumentative research paper on a social issue.
Audience: Determine a specific audience.
Purpose: Your purpose is to persuade your reader that a problem exists and that something must be done about it. You will attempt to change your reader’s mind, gain his or her respect, and guide him or her to action.
Procedure: Think about the subject about which you would like to write. Begin gathering research. Compose four annotated bibliographies. You should use at least two primary sources (interviews, original documents, etc.) and six secondary sources (articles from databases or evaluated sources) in your paper to support your argument. Don’t forget to “listen” to the other side of the argument as you read. Include opposing points and argue them away. Remember, this helps build your credibility. Read! Read! Begin writing notes to get started. Make a list of questions concerning your topic. Freewrite, brainstorm, cluster, etc. After prewriting, begin organizing the drafting of your paper. Finally, read critically. Look for errors in logic and edit according to your needs.
Format: APA (American Psychological Association). This includes a cover page, abstract, internal documentation, running header, headings, and a reference page in APA style. Typed 12 pt, 12-14 pages. EACH SECTION OF THE PAPER IS A MAJOR GRADE. EACH SECTION WILL HAVE ITS OWN DEADLINE, Check your rubric before you submit each section.
Section 1: Beginning (4-5 pages): Begin with a strong lead and background information on your topic. Include definitions for terms, laws, and/or categories. Discuss why this issue matters. Placement of your thesis/claim statement will come at the end of your last introductory paragraph. Take a position and make a proposal that something needs to be done to help with this problem. Due on 3-28.
Section 2: Middle (5-7 pages): This is where you will make your case. Your middle will consist of several paragraphs that showcase your volunteer work, interviews, and surveys. Additionally, you will supply statistics, case studies, and what other states and countries have done to try to help with this issue. Don’t forget to include opposing opinions, examples, primary and secondary research, and expert testimony. Due on 4-16.
Section 3: Social Action Plan (2-3 pages): Finally, incorporate your social action plan (we will discuss this in class) into the last section of your argument, immediately before your concluding paragraphs. End (1-2 pages): Sum it up. After you have presented all your evidence, you should pull your entire argument together by showing that the evidence you provided clearly indicates that the reader should side with you. Due on 4-30.
Make your essay well-organized and specific. Use strong nouns and strong verbs. Include internal documentation and a reference page. Edit for distracting errors such as spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and contractions. Avoid second person! Be brilliant!
