Research argument essay/ Media violence and its effects on children

The researched argument is an 8-10 page (2000-2500 words) argument examining an issue you have identified earlier in the course. Unit 3 has taken you through many of the preparatory steps for writing this paper. So far you have identified an issue which interests you, completed a working bibliography, and developed your position and a claim about your chosen issue.

In this assignment, you must demonstrate that you have implemented a research plan; used a rhetorically effective method of organization; formulated, developed and supported a thesis using sound evidence, reasoning and appropriate appeals; and incorporated alternate positions into a sustained argument.

Your paper should be based on your ideas; it should not be a summary of what other people say. This is not an informational paper. This paper should develop your argument on your topic. Your paper should clearly identify your issue. It should have a clear claim and well developed reasons. It should use at least 4 appropriately cited quotes, at least 4 appropriately cited paraphrases (you may use more as needed), and a Works Cited page in MLA format. However, your paper must be more than strung together quotes and paraphrases. It should stand on its own without the quotes and paraphrases. At this point, you should be working on the graded draft of your paper.

Each paragraph should be well developed with controlling ideas and transitions. The logic supporting your argument should be well thought out and sound. There should be a clear flow of ideas throughout your paper.

Tip: We often suggest that students first write a rough draft of the paper without supporting sources to ensure that the paper is well developed and relies primarily on your writing and conclusions. Once you have written a rough draft, you can then add in outside sources to support each of your points. Please make sure your graded draft is submitted with all of your evidence and the corresponding in-text citations in place.

The draft should focus on your ideas and conclusions based on your research. It should be developed on your thoughts, your plan, and your words. Again, be sure to submit a works cited page and please remember to include in-text citations to indicate any material that is borrowed. Plagiarism will result in failure of the graded draft and/or the final version of this assignment.

Please view the grading rubric and the MLA formatting videos that are available at the end of this weekly module. Please be sure to review Sections 49 through 56 in your Rules for Writers textbook.

Other requirements:

•Length: 8-10 pages (2000-2500 words) plus a MLA-style Works Cited page and all of the necessary MLA-style in-text citations

•Appropriate use (quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing) of at least 8 sources

•Font: 12 point, Times New Roman, Arial or another standard font, double-spaced

•Format: Paper should meet all academic expectations for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraph structure, and style.

•You must use correct MLA-style paper formatting, including page numbers.

•You should develop a clear, useful title.

•Please view the Guidelines for Submitting Assignments page in the Start Here module for more formatting Guidelines.