MLA Argumentative Research Paper 4-5 pages.

Argumentative Research Paper

• Four to five pages in length, excluding the works cited page

• A separate works cited page formatted to MLA 8th edition standards. A minimum of four sources are required. All sources must come from the FTCC databases. No exceptions. No .org or .com websites!!

• Inclusion of the following elements within the paper:

  • An introduction paragraph that engages the reader, provides context, and presents an arguable thesis with a solid claim and sound arguments. (ACT  Attention Grabber, Context, and Thesis)

  • If necessary, a background paragraph that provides information to the readers in order to understand the issue. Background is not necessary if the issue is familiar to most people. However, background can include definition of key terms, explanation of key people associated with the issue, or perhaps necessary historical background. Again, background is not mandatory.

  • Body paragraphs dedicated to the explanation of each argument that was presented in the thesis. Arrangement of your arguments must follow the order established in thesis, and the order must be arranged with intent – stronger arguments need to outshine weaker ones. Depending on the length and degree of the argument, it is possible that one argument could require two body paragraphs. Body paragraphs will always begin with solid topic sentences and then move onto provide evidence from sources in the form of direct quotes, summary, or paraphrase. Inclusion of source material always requires an in-text citation as credit has to be given to the person responsible for the original idea. Analysis always follows the evidence as it is your task to explain how the evidence supports the point being made. The closing sentence in the body paragraph summarizes the discussion. Follow the MEAL plan to build solid body paragraphs. Please note that you are capped at three lines of quoted material per page. Three lines, not three sentences.

  • One body paragraph that presents the counterarguments to your paper’s argument.

  • A conclusion paragraph that briefly reviews the paper’s key points but more importantly offers either a call to action on the part of the reader or a prediction of what could happen if the issue is not addressed or both.

• MLA format is required.

• Topic selection is left up to the student. However, the following topics may be axed by the instructor because they have been argued to death: legalization of marijuana (a moot point in 2018), abortion (a settled legal matter in 2018), gun control/ 2nd Amendment (emotionally charged and little or no new argument to be made), capital punishment (no new argument to be made), same-sex marriage (a moot point in 2018). For your topic, think about the issues that impact us locally. Consider an issue that is connected to your community. Keep in mind that this paper will not be able to tackle complex issues, so narrow down and use the Topic Discussion Board to help you as well.