researched argument essay

RESEARCHED ARGUMENT ESSAY GUIDELINES (Based on Tom Regan’s “The Case for Animal Rights” in the course text, “The Norton Reader”. Argue for or against the essay and/or the issue presented in the essay using the essay/text as the main source. Strategies of Argument: -Explore a question. (Many arguments develop from problems that puzzle.) -Make a claim. (Some arguments may begin with opinions that can be supported with good reasons and convincing evidence.) “Any claim should be followed by its proof.” –Aristotle Presenting Evidence: -Recognize reliable sources* of information-MINIMUM of (2) sources; including the text. -Provide evidence for all your claims *use .gov (government sites) .org (non-profit sites) and/or .edu (educational sites) for reliable sources. (.com could be anyone) NO WIKIPEDIA! Reasons for Argument: -Argue for the greater good; lesser evil -Fairness and Equality -Long-term or short-term good -Benefit for greater numbers -For or against self-interest -Feasibility SAMPLE OUTLINES: 1. Intro: Statement of Claim Reason #1 and supporting evidence Reason #2 and supporting evidence… Conclusion OR 2. Intro: Statement of Claim Reason #1 and supporting evidence -deal with objections Reason #2 and supporting evidence -deal with objections… Conclusion

Sample Outlines, con’t… OR 3. Intro: The Problem -previous attempts to solve it -why previous attempts failed New Solution: -advantages of the proposal -Feasibility -Implementation Conclusion TIPS: -Handle information honestly, quote fairly from your sources, anticipate objections, argue civilly, be credible, and use emotional appeals sparingly -Remember to stay away from using the first person “I”; this weakens the points you are trying to make. -Share background information about the author either in the introduction or second paragraph. This will answer the reader’s question “Why should I, or shouldn’t I, listen to this author?!” FORMAT: -see syllabus for guidelines MUST HAVE A WORKS CITED PAGE OR CONSIDERED PLAGAIRISM! (Use MLA or APA format for works cited page and documentation within the text)