Argumentation Essay

(Taken from Professor Kathy Mc Williams’ assignment)

For this assignment, you are to write an argumentation essay, approximately 3-4 pages, on a subject that relates in some way to you and the world in which you live.  You are writing this essay for your peers, people attending college.  As part of this assignment, you will be asked to do a variety of things, including research, peer and self-evaluations.

The peer evaluations will take place on December 11.  On that day you will need to bring in your typed essay with enough copies for me and the members of your group.  You will also need to prepare a short letter in which you describe what you were trying to accomplish in your essay and what specifically you would like them to focus on in their analysis and evaluation. 

During the lab portion of class on December 11 you will revise and finish the paper. 

When you turn in your revised essay to me you will need to include the following:

1. The final typed version with rough drafts and prewriting
2. Two peer evaluations
3. The letter to your peers

Please note that if any part of your package is missing, I will return your essay to you ungraded.

In preparing for the essay, I suggest you take the following steps:

1. Select a topic that relates in some way to you and your world.  Remember this is an argumentative essay so you will need to take a provable stand on a particular issue.
2. List all the pros and cons you can think of for this subject.
3. Investigate outside sources related to your subject.
4. Select the best supporting evidence for your thesis from your pros and cons.
5. Make use of refutations
6. In writing your essay don’t forget to emphasize logical appeal—facts, statistics, authorities, comparisons, and/or observations.
7. Provide emotional appeal—your use of certain words, figurative language, tone and point of view.
8. Include ethical appeal.  You must establish your connection to the topic.
9. Provide some background information
10. Avoid over generalizing, overstating your case and fence standing.