ELI 084 Academic Writing

For your final assignment, you will write an argumentative essay on one the topics assigned in class. You will need to persuade your readers to accept or at least consider your point of view. You will use your own arguments as the basis for your paper, but you will support your arguments with information from outside sources.

Review the sample organizations of argumentative essays on p. 143 in the book and decide on an organization that suits your content. Also review the important points on p. 150.

Cite two sources in your paper. One must be the article that we found in class using library databases. The other source is your choice. Whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize, use APA parenthetical citation format, i.e. (Couture, 2003, p. 1) and when necessary, put information about the source in an introductory phrase, i.e. According to the article “Peer Review in ESL classes” by Sue Dyste, an experienced ESL teacher, … (Dyste, 2003).

Using APA format, prepare a title page and provide a separate reference page at the end of your paper. Limit the amount you cite to a maximum of 20% of the paper or less. After the references page, attach the articles from which you cited, highlighting the sections cited.

Sample Structure of an Argumentative Paper:

1. Introduction
a. Use an attention-getting opening (anecdote, example, startling statistic) to intrigue the reader. (optional)
b. Give necessary background information: explain the issue and define terms if necessary.
c. Discuss the complexity of the issue to show your familiarity with the problem.
e. End with a thesis statement that asserts your point of view on the topic.
2. Arguments for your position
a. Use one or more paragraphs for each main supporting idea/argument.
b. Fill your paragraphs with facts, examples, quotes, and evidence.
3. Arguments against your position
a. Consider the major oppositions readers might have.
b. Argue against that opposition by:
–showing how the objection to your viewpoint is flawed; look for problems in the logic
–questioning the facts or the values held by the opposition
–conceding or admitting that there is some truth to the objection, and then discuss how that argument doesn’t stand up against your argument.
4. Conclusion
a. Reaffirm your thesis and restate your arguments and main points.
b. Your conclusion might also:
–look to the future; discuss the world with your position enacted
–present how less effective positions would affect people’s lives; discuss the future without your position enacted
–weigh your arguments against the oppositions’
–show how your argument is the logical choice
–end with a dramatic statistic or example

Paper Specifics:

Length: Minimum 1000 words, maximum 1400
Format: typed, double-spaced with title page
Citations: two sources, cited using APA format

Due Dates:

Tuesday, November 26 – Outline due
Thursday, November 28 – First draft due for peer review of introductions and essay organization
Tuesday, December 3 – Second draft due for peer review of cited material
Friday, December 7 – Essays due by 1:00 PM in the ELI office

Questions to consider as you write:

1. Have you written a clear, specific position statement?
2. Have you clearly defined the controversial topic and presented both sides of the issue?
3. Have you anticipated and answered objections from the opposition?
4. Have you been fair in presenting opposing points of view?
5. Have you avoided flaws in logic?
6. Have you avoided use of slanted language to support your side? (terrible, ridiculous, stupid, idiotic, etc.)
7. Have you used qualifiers instead of broad generalizations? (often instead of always)