1000 Word Paper, Persuasive Argument

1000 Word Paper, Persuasive Argument

You are to research your chosen issue and then draft an essay arguing in support of your main claim about that issue, providing background information to give your readers context for the issue (including current information that reveals the ongoing course of the debate on the issue), developing supporting assertions for your claim, and acknowledging and countering other viewpoints. Once you have written a rough draft of your argument, substantiate your argument by incorporating and citing support for your assertions from source material. [There are helpful worksheets for various stages in the research and writing processes on p. 346-8, 352 and 354-5, as well as important suggestions for incorporating source material into your draft on p. 361-2.]

Argue your case as authoritatively as you can within the time and length constraints of the assignment.

Develop a persuasive argument, avoiding fallacies and seeking common ground with your audience by utilizing various types of proof. * N.B.: You may not write about any of the following subjects: abortion, gun control/gun rights, legalization of drugs, capital punishment, school uniforms, or religious issues.

Sources may include periodicals, books, specialized encyclopedias, interviews, lectures, internet articles, etc., but may not include general encyclopedias (including Wikipedia).You must provide functional links to internet articles that you reference in your paper, and all articles must be from reputable sources. This paper is 20% of your semester grade.

Your essay must

 be 1000-1500 words (4-6 pages) but otherwise follow above format instructions,

 use MLA format for in-text parenthetical references and WORKS CITED list,

 cite at least six sources (including one article from the Reader, if you wish) and

 use a variety of sources.