The Flip-Flop and Argumentative Essays are 2 of your major assignments in this class. In these essays, you’ll be arguing for opposing sides of a controversial or debatable issue. You will use the skills and strategies of academic research and writing as you work through these assignments. Take some time to reread the descriptions of these 2 essays in your syllabus.
Remember that the Flip-Flop Essay, due first, represents the viewpoint opposing yours. In your second paper, the Argumentative Essay, you’ll argue for the viewpoint that represents your own.
There is nothing due for either of these essays this week, but take a moment to familiarize yourself with the essay requirements and expectations, so you’re prepared for the coming weeks:
Flip-flop essay requirements
Your essay should have a clear, debatable thesis that communicates the stance you’re taking, positioned at the end of your introduction.
Your introduction should capture your reader’s attention and transition smoothly to your thesis statement.
Your essay should include some historical and background information to contextualize the argument for your reader.
Your essay should have a series of supporting points that clearly link to your thesis statement, each of which is accompanied by summaries, paraphrases, and quotes from your sources.
Your essay should include an objection (a way someone might argue against your thesis) and a refutation (how you would address their objection).
Your essay should end with a conclusion where you clearly restate the main idea of your thesis along with recommendations, predictions, or applications.
Your essay should be 3–4 pages and formatted according to current MLA standards, with at least 4 sources.
Argumentative essay requirements
Your essay must include a minimum of 8 credible, scholarly, and academic sources. Furthermore, the following minimum classification of sources is required. These sources must include;
1 credible print book or ebook
3 academic, peer-reviewed journal articles
3 credible sources of author’s choice
(Note: Wikipedia, etc., per class lectures, will not be considered to be credible in academic research papers. Review class notes for determining a source’s credibility. If in doubt, ask the instructor or choose another source.)
The 3 credible author’s choice sources can include additional peer-reviewed articles, but they can also include other texts, such as credible websites (per class instruction/training), videos, interviews, podcasts, and so forth.
The Bible: Your paper must also include biblical references to support your points; therefore, the Bible will be referenced as a source (please use a common, well-known translation, such as the ESV).
Any quotes or paraphrases from sources must be cited properly according to current MLA standards. This includes parenthetical, in-text citations, as well as a Works Cited page.
Your essay should incorporate the various critical thinking/rhetorical tools, writing strategies, and punctuation/mechanics/stylistic tools you’ve studied throughout the course. It must reflect proficiency in academic writing style and employ the components of a logically structured argument, using persuasive emotional appeals and avoiding logical fallacies.
Before submission, think about the following questions:
Do I have a clear, debatable thesis that communicates my flip-flop stance, positioned at the end of my introduction?
Does my introduction capture the reader’s attention and transition smoothly to my thesis statement?
Have I included any necessary historical and/or background information?
Do I have supporting points that clearly link to my thesis statement, followed by summarized, paraphrased, and (minimal) quoted evidence?
Have I appropriately cited my sources?
Do I include an objection and a refutation?
Do I conclude by restating my thesis and expanding to include a recommendation, prediction, or application as part of my conclusion?
Have I included a properly formatted Works Cited page with at least 4 sources?
