The information below outlines the requirements of your first major essay in this class. Make certain that you follow the instructions precisely. Following instructions is critical to your success in this course. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Goal of the Essay:
The genre (style, type, category) of this essay is argumentative. You have been introduced to the argumentative essay genre of composition writing (review your lecture notes and text readings on argumentation). Your goal in this essay is to write an academic argument in which you clearly express your stance/view on one controversial issue and, concomitantly, identify several logical, rational reasons that validate your view/stance.
Technical Requirements:
Your argumentative essay must: 1) be typed, double-spaced, 2) adhere to standard MLA formatting guidelines, 3) be 2-3 pages in length, 4) clearly identify the subject of your argument, 5) be submitted by the proscribed due date, and 6) be typed in a MS Word Processing version. You will submit your essay to me, via the course room digital “Drop Box” as an attachment. Submit your essay to the digital drop box contained in the “Content” area. The deadline for the submission of this first major essay assignment is, February 18, 2018 (Sunday) by 11:00pm. Once you have submitted your essay in the “Drop Box” your essay attachment will be downloaded to my desktop folder for your course, graded, and then returned to you graded to your email account. Make certain that you submit your essay via the “Drop Box” (as an attachment).
Instructions:
On the next page you will find a list of potential controversial topics for argumentation. You must select one of these topics and write a clear, coherent, logical argument on this topic. You are also required to find, and cite, at least one source which you will consult and/or incorporate in to your argument (evidence). Also, make certain that you include a clear, concise thesis statement that clearly indicates your stance on the topic as well as contains a brief introduction to the reasons you will argue to justify your stance. You should also attempt to include some evidence from a source that supports your argument.
Good luck!
Directions: Choose one of the topics listed for the focus of your academic argument:
Abortion
Affirmative Action
Animal Rights
Ban on Hunting
Drilling for Oil in Anwar
Banning Cell Phones while driving
Censorship in Public Libraries
Death Penalty for Repeat Child Molesters
Diversity in College Admissions
Drug Legalization (all illegal drugs)
Euthanasia/Physician Assisted suicide
Gay Marriage
Gun Control
Human Cloning
Illegal Immigration
Reparations for African Americans
Abolishing Grades in Higher Education
Use of Torture in Interrogation of Terror Suspects
Use of Chemical Castration with Repeat Sex Offenders
War in Iraq
Making Spanish an Official Language of the U.S.
Banning all Nuclear Weapons
Women in Combat
Abolishing the Electoral College
Banning Muslims from entering the United States
