argumentative

· § Description : In this assignment you will write a longer argumentative research paper on a topic of your choosing. You can choose any topic of interest as long as it meets the criteria of a good research topic discussed in class; however, you CAN NOT choose a topic that you have worked on before for this class or any other class. You need to thoroughly and carefully research your topic and write a research-based argument supporting one side on that issue. The paper should make a compelling argument and use research data to develop the argument through 5-8 supporting ideas. Each supporting ideas has to be well developed, explained, and supported with relevant and strong research evidence in a separate paragraph. Also, the paper should rebuttal 1-2 counter arguments in one paragraph at the end of the body section. You should use in-text citation in APA style to mark any information that you quote, paraphrase, or summarize from references, and the paper should have a reference page that lists ALL the cited references in APA style. You need to use a minimum of six references to support your argument (8-10 references if you are aiming for an A). Finally, before you submit your drafts you should edit and proofread them carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes.

· § Length : Your Mini Research Paper should be 2000-2500 words in length (10-12 pages, double spaces).

· § Format: Your paper should be double-spaced, written in Times New Roman 12 points, and formatted in APA style. § Due dates: Due to the limited time available, you should start researching your topic and writing your first draft right away. The first draft of the Self-written Argumentative Research Paper is due in portal on Tuesday, December 11th before midnight. Late submission of the First Draft will result in a 2% grade deduction for every hour after the deadline. The final draft is due in portal on Thursday, December 20th. Final drafts should be submitted in track-changes mode, and papers that do not have changes-tracked would automatically receive the same grade as the first draft. Final drafts will NOT be accepted after the deadline, and failure to submit the final draft before the deadline will result in receiving a zero grade.

· § Grading: The first and final drafts of the Self-written Argumentative Research Paper will be graded according to the criteria on the unified grading rubric available on portal. The first draft of this assignment is worth 10% of the final grade, and the final draft is worth 30% of the final grade.

· § Plagiarism: Any attempts to plagiarize on this assignment, including excessive direct quotation, will result in receiving a Zero for the final grade, not receiving ANY feedback on your draft, and getting reported to the Dean of Students’ Affairs.