Argumentation and Formal Research Essay

Rough Draft (at least 2 pages): Tuesday, April 1^st

Final Draft Due Date: Monday, April 7^th

Choose any argumentation topic you wish to explore and write a formal research essay that effectively incorporates outside, nonfiction sources. 

Remember, this essay is an argumentation essay, not a persuasive essay. All sub-arguments must be reasonable and based on logic; a fair and balanced counter-argument should also be present in the essay.

My advice is to resist topics that are extremely volatile and perhaps have no neutral audience. Remember to present evidence based arguments, not your opinion (certainly not a rant). 

Requirements:

·         An Introduction Section with a clear thesis.

·         Use at least 3 non-fiction/ outside sources in your essay.

·         Use at least one nonfiction quotation in your essay.

·         Works Cited Page (MLA).

·         In-text Citations (MLA).

·         Must include a counter-argument.

·         Use formal voice (no “I,” “me,” or “us;” do not refer to the reader either).

·         At least 4 pages (Not including Works Cited Page).

Possible Ideas:

• ·         Choose any international crises (Ukraine, Syria, Iraq War, Darfur) and use St. Aquinas’ Just War Theory to either argue for or against military intervention.
• ·         Argue whether or not human rights are expendable when combating national security issues (think 1984 style, NSA, privacy).
• ·         Argue whether or not excess childhood and teenager use of technology harms or hurts their livelihood as adults (look into schools that do use I-Pads and computers. Do they get better results?).
• ·         Argue whether or not the American consumerist society conflicts with democratic values? (Look into founding documents, economic statistics).

Standards:

·         CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

·         CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1.b
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.

·         CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.