Argument Essay

Instructions

Assignment Details

Description: For your final essay, I would like you to explore a controversial issue within your field of study, arguing for a potential change or solution to this issue. Consult the list below in order to help guide you and promote creative thinking; however, do not feel restricted to writing about one of the topics if you would prefer to explore another avenue that interests you:

Health Sciences: Should parents be required by law to vaccinate their children?

WRITING TASKS:

· Before you begin your essay, you should choose which stance you will take on the topic (i.e., are you for the topic, against it, or some combination of both). Then, develop a strong, specific thesis that argues a specific claim about that topic (i.e., don’t simply argue “I am for ______” or “I am against ______”). Remember that you must argue about a specific change that you want to see happen in order to rectify your issue. (i am pro both)

· To help build the ethos and logos appeals of your argument, you will be required to use at least five sources in your essay. While you may reference sources like personal blogs or Wikipedia in your paper, three of your five sources must be more credible (e.g., articles and/or images from magazines, journals, or newspapers; books; government websites, etc.).

· Consider the audience of your essay. Will your reader be receptive to your argument, or will they be strongly opposed to your claims? Your audience’s reaction to your thesis will determine a number of things in your writing, including structure, tone, and evidence. Also, keep in mind that while recognizing opposing viewpoints certainly lends credibility and ethos to your argument, you don’t want to undermine your own claims. Give credit and acknowledgement to other opinions, but simultaneously reinforce your own ideas.
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essay rubic:
Ideas: Demonstrates engagement with the topic, recognizing multiple dimensions and/or perspectives with elaboration and depth; offers considerable insight

Focus/Thesis: Clear, narrow thesis representing full understanding of the assignment
Evidence/Documentation: Evidence is relevant, accurate, complete, well-integrated, well-documented, and appropriate for the purpose of the essay. When called for, uses sources to support, extend, and inform, but not substitute writer’s own development of ideas. Combines material from a variety of sources. Doesn’t overuse quotations or paraphrases

Organization: Organization is logical and appropriate to assignment; paragraphs are well-developed and appropriately divided; ideas are linked with smooth and effective transitions. Introduction and conclusion are effectively related to the whole

Style/Mechanics: Sentences are structured effectively, powerfully; a rich, well-chosen variety of sentence styles and length is employed; essay is virtually free of punctuation, spelling, capitalization errors

Overall: Essay demonstrates excellent composition skills, including a clear and thought-provoking thesis, appropriate and effective organization, lively and convincing supporting materials, effective diction and sentence skills, and perfect or near-perfect mechanics including spelling and punctuation. The writing perfectly accomplishes the objectives of the assignment
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Assessment: Your grade will derive from your abilities to argue successfully your thesis using convincing evidence, specific details and examples, and pertinent outside sources, as well as to organize your thoughts in an effective and logical style to help your reader clearly understand your argument. Consult the Essay Rubric for a detailed list of the criteria that comprise A, B, C, D, and F essays.
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Requirements: You should submit a 1250 word essay (not counting the work cited page), typed and double-spaced (not counting the work cited page). Use Times New Roman font in 12-pt size. Format your paper according to MLA guidelines.