Essay Project 4: The Research Paper Argumentation-Persuasion Overview In this essay, you will present a valid argument on a relevant local issue (such as the Alcohol Beach Ban, or the Smoking Ban in El Cajon). The issue you choose must relate to an action, not a fact. For example, you might argue for or against Local government banning alcohol consumption at the beach (an action), but not for or against the existence of the public consuming alcohol in public spaces (a fact).You must use at least 3 credible outside sources, one of which must be in opposition of the position you take. Out of these 3 sources, you should choose at least one deep-background source—a book or broad-focus scholarly journal article; you should also choose at least one immediate source—a newspaper article or broadcast media originating within the past 6 months. Furthermore, you must acknowledge and refute at least two reasons/points from the opposition’s argument. Finally, you will propose a call to action in your conclusion. Guidelines: The research paper should be 750-1000 words in length, double-spaced, and typed in a 12pt font (Times New Roman). Please note that you will need to write a Works Cited page in MLA format for all outside sources used in your essay. Due dates: Wk 11 Topic Proposal/Working Thesis Wk 12 Draft of the Introduction Paragraph with Thesis, Outline, and Works Cited page Wk 13 Rough draft of the Research Paper Due Wk 14 2nd Rough Draft Due Wk 15 Final Draft of Research Paper Due What is Argumentation-Persuasion? Argumentation is the use of clear thinking and logic, to convince readers of the soundness of a particular opinion on a controversial issue. If, while trying to convince, the writer uses emotional language and dramatic appeals to readers’ concerns, beliefs, and values, then the piece is called persuasion. Besides encouraging acceptance of an opinion, persuasion often urges readers (or another group) to commit themselves to a course of action. For this essay, you will rely on both modes to convince your readers. Getting Started (Invention) 1. Choose a topic. There are many local issues (San Diego) that you may be aware of. However, looking at the San Diego Union Tribune, is a great way to discover new ideas or rediscover ones you may have forgotten about. The online version of our local newspaper can be found at www.signonsandiego.com. Just remember that you will enjoy writing your essay so much more if you write about a topic which interests you, especially if it is something that directly affects you. 2. Formulate your opinion. It may take you doing some research on your topic before you actually discover what your opinion is on the subject matter. But by discovering your own opinion, you can address others who may be similarly uncertain about the subject. Just remember that your opinion has to be backed up by evidence; therefore, just because you feel passionately about something, does not mean that an effective essay will come out of those feelings. You must do some research and provide specific examples to support your assertions! If you have trouble deciding what your stance is on a particular issue, then brainstorm and make a list of the two different views and reasons why to support each view. Hopefully, the results of this comparison will sway you one way or the other. 3. Acknowledge an opposing view and decide how to refute it. In order to present a logically sound argument, you must be able to acknowledge the opposing view and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your view is the right choice. Again, make a list of the different views when you are brainstorming so that you can pick out some of the main points from the opposition’s argument to refute. Just avoid the Straw Man Logical Fallacy: setting up a weak/inaccurate version of the opposition’s argument, which is obviously easier to refute than the full/truthful version. 4. Decide which points of argument to include. If you have made an extensive list of all the reasons to support your argument, you should be able to choose the very best ones. Choose the ones that will convince the most amounts of people. Choose the ones with the most supporting evidence. During the Drafting/Outlining Process 1. Formulate your thesis. It should be clear from your thesis statement what you are arguing and why (the reasons or points you will discuss in your essay). Remember to discuss these reasons/points in the order in which you list them in your thesis. *Your thesis should propose—or oppose—an action, not a fact; therefore, use a “should” clause. Example: The State of California should consider a ban on allowing genetically modified foods to be sold in markets unlabeled. 2. Organize your essay clearly. It is most logical to pick 2-4 points/reasons and write one body paragraph on each. Here are 3 possible patterns you could use when organizing your body paragraphs (assuming you choose 3 points/reasons to discuss): Pattern A: Body Paragraph #1-Your first point/reason and its supporting evidence Body Paragraph #2-Your second point/reason and its supporting evidence Body Paragraph #3-Your third point/reason and its supporting evidence Body Paragraph #4-Refutation of the opposing view point. Pattern B: Body Paragraph #1- Refutation of the opposing view point. Body Paragraph #2-Your first point/reason and its supporting evidence Body Paragraph #3-Your second point/reason and its supporting evidence Body Paragraph #4- Your third point/reason and its supporting evidence Pattern C: Body Paragraph #1-Your first point/reason and its supporting evidence (which also refutes one of your opposition’s claims) Body Paragraph #2-Your second point/reason and its supporting evidence (which also refutes one of your opposition’s claims) Body Paragraph #3-Your third point/reason and its supporting evidence (which also refutes one of your opposition’s claims) 3. Argue your ideas logically (logos). To convince your readers, you must provide sufficient reasons for your position. Here are several methods and illustrations: • • • • Give examples (real or hypothetical): “Cutting class because you have access to professional notes can be harmful; for instance, you might miss seeing some slides or graphics essential to your understanding of the lecture.” Present a comparison or contrast: “In contrast to reading ‘canned’ notes, outlining your own notes helps you remember the material.” Show a cause-and-effect relationship: “Dependence on professional notes may mean that some students will never learn to organize their own responses to classroom discussions.” Argue by definition: “Passively reading through professional notes isn’t a learning experience in which one’s mind is engaged.” 4. Appeal to your readers’ concerns, beliefs, and values (pathos). Using emotional appeals and emotionally charged language is important when trying to get your readers emotionally invested in your argument. However, just remember that emotion supports rather than replaces logic and sound reasoning. Although some writers resort to emotional appeals to the exclusion of rational thought, when you prepare argumentationpersuasion essays, you should advance your position through a balanced appeal to reason and emotion. 5. Establish credibility (ethos). In order for you to convince readers that they should listen to you in the first place, you should incorporate all 3 of the following strategies: • • • Demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter effectively. Show that you know that you’re talking about and that you’ve done the research. Don’t ignore the opposition. By acknowledging the opposing argument and refuting some of its main points, you demonstrate that you are fairminded and have carefully considered all aspects of the issue. Use a balance of both logical and emotional appeals. 6. Offer evidence that effectively supports your claims. In addition to presenting thoughtful, logical reasoning, you may wish to incorporate a variety of convincing evidence to persuade your readers to your side. Your essay might profit from including, where appropriate, some of the following kinds of evidence: • • • • • • • Personal experiences. The experiences or testimony of others whose opinions are pertinent to the topic. Factual information you’ve gathered from research (Remember you must use at least five outside sources for this paper). Statistics from current, reliable sources. Hypothetical examples. Testimony from authorities and experts. Charts, graphs, or diagrams. 7. Present a call to action in your conclusion. Now that you have convinced your readers to adopt your point of view, summarize the main points you made in the body paragraphs, and tell your readers what they can do about it. Revising (A Checklist) 1. Remember your audience. You should use an appropriate tone for this essay (do not use an angry or antagonistic tone). Also, remember not to insult any readers that may not agree with your position. Present your argument logically and non-threateningly. You want to win readers over because of your relevant and truthful examples, not through bullying or logical fallacies. 2. Recognize logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are common errors in reasoning that all good writers try to avoid. Not only should you avoid them, but if you find them present in the opposition’s argument, you should point them out as a means to demonstrate why the opposing argument is weaker than your argument. Refer to the descriptions of logical fallacies in chapter 17. 3. Cite all of your sources. First, make sure you are using the required amount/type of sources. (Refer to the top of these guidelines under “Overview.” Next, using an MLA handbook such as The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers will be the most effective way to ensure that you are citing your sources correctly. However, the handout “MLA Formatting” provides information on how to cite a lot of sources. There are very likely some MLA handbooks available in the library or online for purchase (used will be fairly inexpensive). 4. Check for grammatical/mechanical errors. Reading your paper aloud, as you may have figured out during your presentation, is a great way to catch mistakes. Having someone else read it aloud is even better, because they will stumble over mistakes that you might read through since you subconsciously know what you actually meant. Finally, consider visiting the Writing Center here on campus. Students in this class who have consistently visited the Writing Center this semester can likely assure you that it hasn’t been a waste of their time.
Purchase answer to see full attachment