Argument paper

Argument Paper Assignment (Final Paper)

 

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the final paper.  Make sure you read all of the readings on Argument Essays before you start the paper.

 

There are also examples of how MLA sources should look at the MLA chapter in your textbook.  It’s also a good idea to check out easybib.com. 

 

This final essay should contain six paragraphs (notice the addition of the counter-argument and refutation paragraph in the reading).   Each paragraph should have three sources (a minimum of three sources but please consider doing more) . The final paper should be double-spaced and 7-10 pages long.

 

There are two topics to choose from.  Make sure that you start with a thesis statement that clearly defines three ways the problem should be solved, or three things that should be changed.  Remember to use the word SHOULD in your thesis.

 

Topic one:

 

Bullying and the Internet

 

Research and write an essay about three things that should be done to protect people from bullying in regards to the internet and mobile communications.   Do not write an example essay of what has already been done.  Do extensive research to find out what should be done next.  Come up with three arguments that combine to reach a greater goal.  Research and support your ideas extensively.

 

 

Topic two:

 

Homelessness in California

 

Research and write and essay about three steps the state government should take to solve the problems specific to California.  Do not mix the topics.  Either write a paper about three steps the government should take to fix the housing situation or three things the local government should do to get them off the streets.  DO NOT write a paper that talks about what the government should and should not do to fix homelessness.  It can sometimes leave the paper unbalanced.  It is challenging enough to convince people that you can solve this issue through positive steps.  Be careful to keep the problem at a state level.  The state government cannot for example deport immigrants, or change rules regarding federal lands.  Again, choose at aspect of the homeless issue and find three things California should do to solve it.  Research and support the ideas extensively.

 

 

 

 

 

Checklist for final paper

 

· As usual, every paper begins with a quote, stat or anecdote. 

· Ask questions for clarification on any of the lessons from anything said in my lectures

· Write the introduction and conclusion and send them to me for approval.  (this is not required, but it is strongly recommended)

· Submit to the Writing Center and provide a copy of their feedback with the final submission for an extra three points (yes that’s enough to turn a B into an A.)

· The final paper should be between seven and ten pages long (these are full pages)

· The last page should be a Works Cited page that properly provides references for your paper (this page is not counted in the page count, so don’t think that this page turns a six-page essay into a seven-page essay).

· Proper MLA format should be present throughout the paper.

I want to see you really challenging yourselves to find as many sources for this paper as possible .  Three uses of support per body paragraph is the minimum, but don't feel constrained to the minimum.

I have posted an argument paper lecture from a past topic below:

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