EN 111 Writing Assignment #10: Argument Essay

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What is an argument essay? This essay asks the writer to take a stance on a controversial issue or “hot button” topic, and to defend that position with the use of facts, statistics, data, and research. This style of paper also asks the writer to use critical thinking skills to consider the opposing viewpoint on the chosen issue. Chapter 6: Arguing a Position and Chapters 20-22 on research projects and sources will prove helpful. Axelrod and Cooper (pages 231-236) consider the following features key in papers that argue a position:

A focused, well-presented issue
A well-supported position
An effective response to opposing views
A clear, logical organization

Taking a Stance:

The overall point of a persuasive or argument paper is to logically support and defend a position on an issue with solid evidence. The twist is that the writer also needs to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint to the position, in that a reader will have an opportunity to see all sides of the issue, NOT just the side that the writer is taking. We in American society tend to take stances all the time on issues without the formality of a written paper or a heated argument. We do this every day. You just got paid and you have a spare $100 after you pay bills that you can spend on anything you want! Do you go purchase the new shoes, the designer coat, the newest Apple product, or the most current fishing gear? Do you and your friend go out for a fancy dinner? Do you spend that money on your kid’s soccer outfit for the spring? Do you choose to stash that money in the bank for a rainy day? We have choices we can make, and the challenge is determining what choice is best for us based on the pros and the cons of the decision.

Pros, Cons, and Acknowledging the Opposing Viewpoint:

In this style of paper, a writer must distinctly choose to take a position on an issue. The writer can take a pro (“for position”) position, and acknowledge the opposing con viewpoint. Similarly, the writer can take a con (“against position”) position, and acknowledge the opposing proviewpoint. Regardless of what issue you discuss or what position you choose to support, you will need to include an introduction paragraph, a background paragraph, three paragraphs supporting your position, one paragraph addressing the opposing viewpoint/position, and a conclusion. Whereas many issues in society are not black-or-white decisions and we can see both perspectives clearly, the point of an argument paper is to take a solid stance and support that stance (and always acknowledge the opposing viewpoint) with clear and well-focused research.

Choosing a Topic:

For this assignment, the instructor is restricting choices to ONE of the topics listed below. These topics are from Michael Gonchar’s article in The New York Times, “301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing,” updated on April 19, 2016:

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/301-prompts-for-argumentative-writing/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Guidelines:

Write an essay on one of the above topic choices. Take a clear pro or con stance and acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. Write this paper in a 3rd person (he/him, she/her, they/them) point-of-view. Include an introduction with a thesis statement that clearly identifies the pro or con stance, a background paragraph, at least three paragraphs supporting the stance, a paragraph on the opposing viewpoint, and a conclusion. Use a minimum of 3 sources. Follow MLA formatting guidelines (Chapter 24) for in-text citations and sources on the Works Cited page. Indent new paragraphs, use complete sentences, use spell check, and proofread for grammar and punctuation.

Length: 5-7 pages typed, double-spaced 12-point Times New Roman text.