A good argument is on a subject that is important, that can be debated, that can—in some way—better the lives of your readers. Argument, in many respects, is not solely about proving your point on a subject—it is about appropriately understanding and addressing the needs of your audience.

Think about your audience, the readers and writers and thinkers you have met in this class this term. What do you feel they need to hear? What subject do you feel is of greatest concern to them? Discover what most affects them.

Ideally, you will use the topics you have written about in the last few paragraphs – your ‘support’ for a topic that you feel passionate about, and your opposition for that same topic.

MUST you use that topic? No. You can change it. However, if you do have what you feel is good information, please use what you’ve been writing lately.

You will need a minimum of 8 resources for this paper. They must be ‘academic’ in nature – from reputable, reliable sources. Please avoid Wikipedia, blogs, or chats (among other sources.) Keep in mind that sometimes in order to get 8 strong sources, you may have to have significantly more to start.

Argument is a merger of information and persuasion. It is a combination of opinion, supported by necessary fact, which has a direct connection to your readers. Arguments are logically woven proofs that account for both sides of an issue, that ask our readers to accept our views as the strongest or most valid assessment of any topic.

When writing this essay, please remember to write in THIRD PERSON. Arguments are most persuasive when they are ‘non-biased’. Here is an example:

I think you are incorrect.

You are incorrect.

Which sounds ‘stronger’? I hope you’ll agree that the second statement is a bit more forceful, a bit stronger in nature. Note that the second statement is written in third person.

That is why, in your argument essay, I ask that you write in third person.

The following grading criteria will be used to assess this essay