Animal testing can be justified”

COM 105 Argumention Paper Assignments:

Affirm/Negate A PropositionPurpose:

For this assignment you are to convince me of the validity of both sides of an argument. You are to use one of the claims from the Topics list as your thesis .  This assignment is in two parts.  In one paper you are to affirm the proposition using convincing, logically sound arguments.  In the second paper you are to negate the same proposition using convincing, logically sound arguments.

 

What you should have in this analysis:  

  1. A clear explanation of your issue.
  2. A clear identification of the arguments used.
  3. Clear, strong support for both sides of the issue.
  4. Appropriate use of outside source material. Arguments that do not contain direct references to supporting material will not be considered strong arguments.

 

Format:

Paper #1 (Affirm the proposition)

Due Date: Check Course Schedule

Total Points: 50

  1. This paper is to be 4-5 pages, typed, double-spaced, 1 inch margins.
  2. At least five (5) sources used to support your arguments. These sources should be appropriate for a college level paper on this topic. These must be formatted in MLA style and cited both in the text of the paper and a bibliography at the end of the paper. The bibliography does not count toward the total page number.
  3. You are welcome to write more than 4-5 pages. I am more interested in quality arguments than specific page length. Papers that are considerably longer (or shorter) than this page range may have their grade affected as a result.  For example, I generally stop reading past page 6 and anything less than 3 pages indicates a lack of development.

 

 

Paper #2 (Negate the proposition)

Due Date: Check Course Schedule

Total Points: 50

  1. This paper is to be 4-5 pages, typed, double-spaced, 1 inch margins.
  2. At least (5) sources used to support your arguments. These sources should be appropriate for a college level paper on this topic. These must be formatted in MLA style and cited both in the text of the paper and a bibliography at the end of the paper. The bibliography does not count toward the total page number.
  3. You are welcome to write more than 4-5 pages. I am more interested in quality arguments than specific page length. Papers that are considerably longer (or shorter) than this page range may have their grade affected as a result.  For example, I generally stop reading past page 6 and anything less than 3 pages indicates a lack of development.

 

Helpful Advice: 

  1. Use strong language. Assert yourself. Be confident in your opinion. Arguments with too many qualifying statements will not be regarded highly.
  2. Be clear and concise. The more specific you are the better. Use concrete examples. Vague or broadly worded statements will negatively impact your paper.
  3. Use the Writing Center. My students have shown a dramatic increase

in the quality of the papers by getting help from the writing center. Attend a walk-in session in person.There is a link for the writing center on the Valley College web page.

  1. Use Clear Organization. Identify what your main arguments are. Make it clear how many you plan to make in support of your position. Use an introduction and conclusion to preview and review your main points.  The organization should be clear.
  2. Use your source material properly. All information should be clearly linked to a

source.  These sources must be cited in the paper.

 

Your paper will be graded on the following:

  1. Your use of source material.
  2. Your ability to analyze the issue, not just describe.
  3. Quality of arguments. The clearer and more specific your arguments the better.
  4. Validity. The more valid your arguments, the higher your grade will be.
  5. Your use of classroom material/ideas/concepts in your paper.
  6. Grammar, punctuation, and syntax will be a factor. However, quality of thought will be

a greater factor.

  1. Structure of your paper. Do you have the basic elements such as clear thesis, support

for each main point, clear transitions, and an effective conclusion?

  1. Paper basic requirements such as length, font, and actually doing what the assignment

asks for. Not following the basics is the number one killer of student’s grades.

  1. Your use of MLA. Improper MLA usage will really cost you a lot of points!