Argument Rough Draft

ENG 1520 FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT

A well-formed argument, one that will persuade readers that your point of view is based on solid evidence, presents a carefully chosen and developed claim (thesis) with persuasively compelling reasons and evidence to support that claim.

For this project you will have a minimum of eight pages to take a stance on a debatable issue, or propose an idea, and support it with credible researched evidence. Your thesis/main claim should not be in the form of a question, should not waver, and should not be an ‘I believe’ statement; it should confidently state the claim you want your audience to accept.

You will be required to cite a minimum of five credible sources using correct MLA formatting and style guidelines. The topic and claim are completely in your hands for this project, so be sure to choose a topic that is: debatable, sufficiently narrow, and interesting.

Make sure your topic is arguable. No subjective arguments ("This is better than that"), or statements of fact ("Global warming affects the planet"). No arguments rooted in conspiracies or religion/faith as well, as these types of arguments often involve asking your reader to take a leap of faith with you. Your argument must be provable with credible evidence from reliable sources. Aim for a debatable issue that will give you some room to argue.

If you're having trouble settling on a topic, check out the  OCC Library  databases for some ideas. Opposing Views in Context and Points of View are great resources for exploring ideas. Choosing a topic is one of the most important stages of this assignment. You will be living with this topic for the remainder of the semester so make sure it's something you're passionate about. 

The content of your essay should be substantial, well researched, and interesting. Try to know as much as you can about your topic so that you may present an in-depth analysis that persuades your reader to accept your claim.

Please note that this project offers an extra-credit opportunity; a 3-5 minute presentation. You may use PowerPoint slides, infographics, images, and/or video to present the key points of your essay to the class. Your creativity is welcomed.

IMPORTANT! Keep the following in mind as you compose your essay:

· Don’t rely on one to two sources, distribute all your sources throughout the essay

· This is a research project, not a rant, or an exploration of your personal feelings. Make a claim and support it with evidence.

· Avoid a string of quotations/paraphrases; the majority of your essay should be your own words

· Do not write an essay that is purely informational; be BOLD, take a stand on an issue or propose a logical idea/solution to an issue. Papers with no definite stance will not succeed.

· Lengthy quotes and paraphrases should be avoided

· I (the instructor) am not part of your audience; think of your audience as skeptical, but rational people, that are interested in knowing more about your issue

Useful Questions:

1. Is there an arguable thesis statement?

2. Does the title capture my readers’ attention?

3. Does the introduction capture the readers’ attention?

4. Are there any instances where the supporting evidence is irrelevant?

5. Is supporting evidence sufficient and compelling enough to convince the

audience?

6. Am I using appeals effectively

7. Have I written with my audience in mind?

8. Does my conclusion succinctly wrap up my argument?

9. Is MLA style used correctly?

Project Timeline:

· Proposal and Annotated Bibliography – 3/31

· Rough Draft – 4/16

· Final Draft Due – 4/27