for the argument paper

Format for the Argumentative Paper

[This is a general guide to follow]

Introduction: General introduction of the problem. It should begin with a sentence that draws the reader into the paper and points toward the thesis statement. Introduction should engage reader about the issue and situate it into the larger social, cultural, psychological or economic context. Why is this issue important? All sentences should logically flow to the last sentence, which is the thesis statement. Provides background information by answering: who, what, when, why, where and why. If you include facts, statistics, etc, you must cite them. Do not include a list of reasons to support the thesis. Paragraph length: 5-8 sentences. Follow the guidelines for an effective thesis statement: review the seven thesis pitfalls.

(Use TRANSITIONS to connect body paragraphs).

A General Guide: Keep your sources to no more than two per paragraph. Use a variety of sources: direct quote, summary, or paraphrase, and always use a signal phrase followed with the parenthetical reference and a tag line that explains the source and shows it supports the topic sentence (reason).

Paragraphs 1-to-2: Current history of the problem as it relates to your position. Include the exigency of the problem—why is it important now. State the importance of your argument: why is this issue so important now. What will this essay hope to prove to the reader. Keep your audience in mind: Do not assume the reader understands terms. You may need to define words. Do not include irrelevant information. Source(s) needed.

(TRANSITIONS between paragraphs and within paragraphs to link ideas): Follow M-[context—lead up to the evidence] E-A-L—structure.

Body Paragraphs: Transition + Main point—one clearly worded sentence that states the reason that supports your thesis. Then include context that leads up to your evidence. Do not jump from your topic sentence directly to the evidence: provide 1-2 sentences as needed to help the reader understand the purpose for adding the reason. Body paragraphs should provide the support for your thesis statement. For the longer argument paper, you should have at least four- five solid and distinct reasons to support your thesis. Sources must come from reliable, relevant, and scholarly sources. They must include print, and some Web sites. Organize the reasons to support your thesis from least important to most important. All topic sources should specifically focus on a separate part of the argument and clearly state one reason. Sources needed for each paragraph. A guideline to follow: 6-10 sentences per paragraph. Refer to the handout on writing topic sentences.

(TRANSITIONS between paragraphs and within)

Opposing Point of View: 1-2 paragraphs: Recognize the opposing positions. You want to acknowledge that you are aware of the refutation of your position and stress that although there is opposition to your thesis it is not relevant in the light of the research that you have presented to support your thesis. Sources needed. Keep to one opposing point of view per paragraph. Keep this paragraph balanced between the opposing view and your refutation.

(TRANSITIONS between paragraphs and within)

Conclusion: Conclusion. Reword the thesis as the topic sentence in order to bring the essay to a close, summarize the main reasons that support your argument, and the final remark should re-emphasize the importance of the issue, and your position. Do not introduce new material. Keep the conclusion to five to eight sentences.

Works Cited/Annotated Bibliography: This follows the last page of your essay and it should follow the 2009 MLA format. Refer to Hacker and Sommers, A Writer’s Reference and other handouts available on eCompanion in the MLA folder. Every source on the works cited page will have a two-to-three sentence summary: annotated bibliography. Follow the guidelines for formatting the annotated summary: indent 1 inch from the last line of the entry and double- spaced. The sources must be varied: print, scholarly journals, some Websites (no Wikipedia or Ask.com).

Rubric/Grade Sheet: The point total for the argument paper is 150. There are two argument papers and each one is worth 150 points.