help with argu ess and ppt due in 24 hours

Argument Essay

Using the topic you have chosen (remember to choose a fresh topic-not something like abortion that has been written about so often that there is no new information out there), pick a position on that topic and write a three and a half to four page paper attempting to convince your audience to agree with your topic using the strategies we have discussed in class (common ground, refutation, avoiding fallacies, etc.). Remember, this paper can be an extension of the exemplification essay, but it must include a refutation.

This essay should follow the guidelines that previous papers have used: have the proper heading, include a title, be double spaced, use 12 point Times New Roman font, and include the basic components that all essays have (an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs, and a conclusion). Remember also that all late papers will not be accepted.

As you are working on this paper, keep the following things in mind:

· Your thesis should tell readers the topic you are arguing, where you stand on that topic (whether you are for or against that issue), and the reasons why (three point thesis.

· This paper can be an extension of the refutation essay, but it must have a refutation paragraph.

· You will be required to do research for this paper. At minimum, you will need three sources, one of those from a database and one from a book (no Internet sources!). The book cannot be your textbook. The library’s databases are not considered Internet sources. You must include copies of your sources when you turn in the final copy of your essay.

· Your sources will be cited in the paper using MLA format, and you will be required to have a Works Cited page at the end of the paper. Remember if the Works Cited page is not in the correct format, points will be deducted.

· You will also be required to complete a PowerPoint based on your chosen topic, and you will use this presentation to present your topic to the class. The PowerPoint must be at least five slides in length and should follow the general outline of the essay. Other than these guidelines, you are allowed to be as creative as you’d like when creating the PowerPoint.

· Copies must accompany every source that you use in your paper. There should be at least one secondary source per main point. You cannot pass the paper without including three sources. Likewise, you cannot pass the research paper without including copies of your sources exactly as I specify below. Highlight quotes on copies.

· Guidelines for copies of sources:

· Database or Internet Source – print out the entire article

· Printed article (includes reprinted articles in reference books such as Twentieth Century Literary Criticism) – copy the entire article and the title page and copyright information from the reference book it is in

· Book – copy the title page, copyright information, and only the page or pages you have used (cited) in your paper

Allison 1

Phillipe Joy Chua

Ms. Cobbs

English 110

30 November 2015

College is Worth It

In the world today, is a college degree is still worth having? Many argue that an individual can survive, and maybe live a prosperous life, armed with just a high school diploma. This may be true; however, it is an exception and not the rule. People view a college education as a burden, when it should be viewed as an investment. As a matter of fact, a college degree improves the personal, social, and economic aspects of an individual’s life; thus, more people should be encouraged to pursue a college education.

A college-educated individual is more likely to have a healthier, longer and less stressful life. Baum, Ma and Payea say, “Among 55- to 64-year-olds, 52% of high school graduates reported some exercise and 25% reported exercising vigorously; 80% of four-year college graduates some exercise and 53% reported vigorous exercise” (28). One main explanation for this statistic is that a high school graduate is more likely to work multiple jobs when a college graduate is more likely to land a better and higher paying job. As a result, a college graduate has the ability to pay for gym memberships, better quality of food, and sports equipment, and the time to pursue these activities. On the other hand a high school graduate, because of his lower income and multiple jobs, cannot afford to prioritize their health and wellbeing, and is more likely to save his extra income instead of spending it on exercise and leisure. Research also shows that, “In 2012, only 8% of individuals with at least bachelor’s degree smoked, compared to 20% of those with some college or an associate degree and 25% of high school graduates and of those without a high school diploma” (Baum, Ma and Payea 27). This is because college graduates are less likely to be stressed about their careers and everyday lives. They spend a significant amount of time perfecting their skills and increasing their knowledge in their fields of study, which result in landing jobs that end up as lifetime professions. All of these contribute to the longer life spans of college graduates compared to those who did not pursue a college education.

A college education does not only benefit an individual, it also benefits society as a whole. According to an essay written in 2002, “college attendance has been shown to ‘decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status’ (Ibid.)” (qtd. in Porter 3). Colleges and universities are prime settings wherein students from different countries, cultures, ethnicities and ways of life can come together. Here, students are encouraged to mingle and build relationships with their peers. In effect, these students learn how to be more accepting of different cultures and practices. They also learn how to connect with people on a more intellectual level, bypassing stigmas or racial prejudices. In addition to that, students are encouraged to think critically; they are able to give objective, and intellectual, answers to issues that may, or may not, affect their daily lives. Armed with these two weapons: social empathy and critical thinking, college graduates are able to tackle, and address, important issues plaguing the society. These individuals become the voice of those who cannot speak and stand up for themselves. Consequently, college graduates, with their knowledge and abilities, become valuable members of society.

Research also shows that college educated individuals earn more, have significantly higher lifetime savings, and enjoy an improved way of life compared to those who only have high school diplomas. Kathleen Porter states that, “According to the Census Bureau, over an adult’s working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002)” (qtd. in Porter 2). This exemplifies the fact there is a direct relationship between an individual’s educational attainment and his income. This is especially true with professions that require specialized skills or higher degree of knowledge in a specific field of study, like teaching or engineering. College students spend a significant amount of time acquiring, honing and mastering these skills, which ultimately gives them an edge in employment opportunities. These individuals are more likely to land top tier job positions and professions; thus, they earn higher salaries and have better benefits. In addition to that, they are also more likely to be satisfied with their occupation and enjoy an improved level of job security. This is why the monetary benefits of a college education is the most popular reason why individuals pursue a college education.

Despite the obvious and various benefits of a college education, many individuals believe that a college degree is no longer worth it, in today’s world. They argue that going to college costs too much and is too time consuming. It is true. The cost of pursuing a college degree is high. According to Stephen Rose, “Newspapers report on $60,000 annual costs for tuition, fees, and room and board” (28). However, few students pay this amount. There are various financial aids: grants, loans, and scholarships, and numerous other resources that can help fund a student’s education. In addition, majority of the universities also offer student work programs. In his report Rose mentions, “Less than 10 percent of four-year college students face total out-of-pocket expenses […] of over $40,000” (28). Consequently, since college graduates are more likely to land higher paying jobs, they have the ability to pay off their debts faster. Also, individuals no longer need to choose between going to school and working because they can do both. Most educational institutions offer night and weekend classes for professionals who have day jobs. In addition to that, some students do not even have to go to campus. Online classes help those individuals who cannot afford to go to face-to-face classes for whatever reason. In fact, students can even earn their degrees from colleges or universities located in another state, or even abroad. Distance learning gives students the opportunity to receive the same quality of education but in the comfort of their own homes. Earning a degree this way may take longer, but it is possible. These resources, and many others, prove that a college education is more attainable now than it has ever been. Individuals should grab the opportunity to acquire a college degree and improve their lives.

In the world today, a college education is no longer a luxury that only the rich can afford. Today, anyone who has the desire to get a degree can do it, regardless of his station in life. People may argue that is no longer necessary because it costs too much time and money, and that individuals can find employment without the help of a degree. However, there are numerous resources made available to the students which help them pay for their education. In addition to that, the rising popularity of unconventional teaching platforms, such as online classes, and the availability of weekend and night classes allow students to work and earn degree at the same time. The numerous benefits of a college education, not only to the individual but also to society as a whole, prove that it is worth it.

Works Cited

Baum, Sandra, Jennifer Ma, and Kathleen Payea. “Education Pays: 2013: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society.” College Board (Oct. 2013): 5-45. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.

Porter, Kathleen. “The Value of a College Degree.” ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education. (2002): 1-5. ERIC. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.

Rose, Stephen. “The Value of a College Degree.” Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning 45.6 (2013): 23-42. ERIC. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.