English 1010

Present a basic outline for your argumentative research essay. It should consist of a formal, final persuasive thesis statement and at least three to five topic sentences for the body of your argument. Your thesis should be argumentative (making a claim), rather than purely informative. Be sure to include in your topic sentences appropriate support for your assertion; remember, however, that these are not full blown essays.

Your submission must adhere to the following format:

Thesis statement: A formal, specific, clear, and assertive statement on the actual debate or issue, adopting one side or favoring a single proposal. It must include your topic, the claim or assertion, and the major divisions of your essay.

Topic sentence 1: The first major point or argument in favor of your claim.

Topic sentence 2: The second point supporting your argument.

And so on.

For example:

Thesis statement: Voluntary physician-assisted suicide should be a legal option for terminally ill patients, to alleviate prolonged physical and emotional suffering and to avoid unnecessary expense.

Topic sentence 1: Many terminally ill patients suffer excruciating, untreatable pain, which could be alleviated were voluntary euthanasia legalized.

Topic sentence 2: In addition to physical suffering, emotional suffering takes a toll on both the patient and his or her family.

Topic sentence 3: Perhaps most important, the financial cost of long-term health care for the terminally ill could be greatly reduced were these patients allowed to terminate their lives legally.

Topic sentence 4: Although some may argue that suicide is immoral or inappropriate under any circumstances, their arguments are not sufficient to warrant ignoring this issue.