Academic research essay

In this assignment, write an essay that examines an issue of importance within your academic discipline.  You will be graded on your ability to present an informed, effective argument that demonstrates your understanding of the subject, displays your research into its issues, effectively uses source material (in summary, paraphrase, and cogent quotations), and reaches logical, substantiated conclusions based on well-organized and subordinated claims.

Your drafts are expected to contain a cogent, well-formed argument based on that preliminary work and to be presented in the MLA style, which is a required, graded element of this assignment.

 Here are some example topics you may use:

 1)  Choosing a particular field, such as education, medical, technology, or business, consider what major changes (3-5 changes) have occurred in the last 10-20 years. Are these changes for the better or for the worse? Once the essay finishes considering what exactly these changes are, consider what may have caused these changes.

 2) Find a topic, issue, or problem within your field that interests you. Researching publications, organizations, and related sources, consider why is it of interest to you. How does it affect your field in the present? How might it affect your field in the future?

 3) Or if you don’t know much about your field yet, you may propose your own topic. Just keep in mind that it needs to be a topic that you can contribute to based on the research time and page length. Some topics that would not work include: global warming, illegal immigration, gun control, the death penalty, abortion, and nationalized health care. These topics are not only broad for an essay of this length, but are already well debated, often with emotional arguments that make them unsuitable for an objective, reasoned essay.

DUE: APRIL 1ST SUNDAY BY MIDNIGHT!

You will compose a researched argument with a captivating introduction, thesis statement, and 3-5 solid claims with refutations & concessions. While many arguments are grounded in logos (logic), you should include a balance of pathos (emotions) and ethos (ethics/authority) to support your argument as well. This is best done through appropriate and compelling language, audience analysis, and your use of research. 

Your challenge will be to integrate your research into a well-articulated, compelling, and coherent essay. Please review the guidelines carefully.

Technical Guidelines

· MLA style (heading, header, original title, 12 pt. Font, Times New Roman, 1” margins)

· MLA citations (8th edition, in-text parenthetical citations formatted & sourced)

· MLA Works Cited page

· 4-6 pages (Not including Works Cited) in MLA format, 12-point font, double- spaced. You must include a “Works Cited” page and use correct MLA format for in-text (parenthetical) citations

The following information is meant to assist you as you work on your essay:

“Save the best argument for last” - The general rule in an argument is to finish strong. This applies to the overall structure of your essay, as well as the way you organize the information in your paragraphs. So, not only should your strongest and/or best-researched point be your last body paragraph, you should also have a strong conclusion.

Therefore, you probably shouldn’t end your argument, or even a paragraph, with a counter argument. Counter arguments should directly precede or follow the direct point they correlate to within your argument, and be followed directly by a refutation.

Counter arguments should be presented fairly. This does not detract from or negate the tone of your argument; rather, it gives you credibility as a well-informed and open-minded person.

“But how can you present an opposing viewpoint fairly if I strongly disagree with it?” - By using research. You can cite an example of a differing perspective without conceding your own views, and you can acknowledge it with fair and just language.

Logical Fallacies

Not only will you be avoiding logical fallacies in your own argument, you want to make sure you don’t apply them to your counter arguments just to make them look weak. Your argument essay should be logically sound, beginning to end; this also lends to your credibility and logos.

Voice & Tone

Since this is an argument, you may have a personal experience to share; but be careful of falling into the “first-person trap.” Let the research speak for itself, and analyze objectively when possible. Do not use unnecessary qualifiers that may detract from the strength of persuasive phrasing, such as “I think,” “I feel,” “in my opinion,” etc.

Over-qualified example: The government enforces the “Good Samaritan law,” which offers protection to someone who may offer assistance in case of an emergency (safercar.gov). I really think this is important, because if I saw a child in a car, I would probably want to do something about it.

Better example: The government enforces the “Good Samaritan law,” which offers protection to someone who may offer assistance in case of an emergency (safercar.gov). This is especially crucial to those who may witness a child left in a locked car on a hot day; a parent may sue the private citizen for interfering with their child, but a more significant justice is served by ensuring the well-being of a child in danger.

Note that an audience connection is still made in the example above by appealing to the emotion of saving a child’s life, as well as words like “crucial,” “well-being,” and “significant justice.” This example can also easily be followed up by an example or anecdote, whether personal or from an outside source.

Good qualifiers (“possibly,” “often,” etc.) allow you to keep claims from seeming absolute (see chapter 36) and should be applied to research only when necessary

Consider applying this strategy to the overall tone of your argument. Remember to use signal phrases to introduce information, and persuasive language in your analyses and interpretations; persuasive language should not be added into existing research, quotes, or even paraphrases by you; they should be separate and distinguished.

As always, email your instructor if you have any questions.

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