Type of paper: Argumentation/Persuasion
Length: 4-5 pages
Format and Documentation Style: MLA
Number of Required Sources: 3 or more (Use Proper MLA Documentation)
Background: In terms of examining a “controversial” issue, our textbook explains:
There are not always two diametrically opposed views of the same controversial issue. This will occur when there are only two options: A certain bill should or should not be passed. The president should or should not be impeached. This medical procedure should or should not be allowed. Often, however, there are more than two possible solutions to a problematic situation, or more than two possible views of an issue are worth considering.
This essay will give you a chance to explore multiple perspectives on a specific issue, and in doing so, you will present your own opinion about the issue.
Directions: Choose an issue that is debatable…such as “Should student athletes in college be paid?…and locate at least three opinion articles that represent different views on the topic. When reading the articles, consider the following questions:
Are there two — and only two — possible points of view on the subject? Does each author make clear what he or she is trying to prove? What is each author’s claim?
How important is the evidence in support of the claims? Does the support fulfill the appropriate criteria? If not, what are its weaknesses? Do the authorities have convincing credentials?
What stated or unstated assumptions (warrants) are the claims based on? Are the warrants widely accepted? If they need to be defended or qualified, have the authors done so?
How important is the definition of key terms? Does definition become a significant issue in the controversy?
Other than definition, what role does language play in the authors’ arguments? Do the arguments have any flaws in inductive or deductive reasoning?
Do they contain any logical fallacies?
And then, when you have developed a sense of what others say about your chosen topic, you will write a complete essay in which you present your opinion.
Tips for Success: You can use your topic from essay #1 for this assignment. Of if you need more choices, review the Week 12 Discussion. Remember to begin your research with the CQ Researcher and Opposing Viewpoints databases. And as usual, use the example essays in the book “The Structure of Arguments” as models for the types of strategies that you may use in this essay.
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