Your ultimate goal for this class is to write a researched argument paper (also known as an argumentative paper). Each weekly assignment and discussion forum is designed to help you achieve this goal. Your rough draft will be due in week 6 and the final draft will be due in week 8.
What is an argumentative paper? This week your readings included an excerpt from the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). Here is their explanation of an argumentative paper:
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion a policy proposal an evaluation a cause-and-effect statement or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided. (Tardiff & Brizzee 2014)
Reference Citation
Tardiff E. & Brizzee A. (2014). Tips and examples for writing thesis statements. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/1/.
Throughthis assignment you will sharpen your skills for writing your researched argument paper:
Part A: Narrowing Topics
To write a short researched argument a topic must be controversial and the main point of view (argument) must be clear. Listed below are three broad and controversial topics. Under each topic are four narrowing questions. Each of those questions moves the topic toward a more narrow focus.
Example 1: Violence in schools
Example 2: Drug use
Example 3: Immigration
After reviewing the three examples write three narrowing questions for each of the four topics listed below.
Education
Sports
Health insurance
Technology
Part B: Write a thesis statement
Pick one of the topics above and write an argumentative thesis statement that introduces your controversial topic and your point of view. Then write 3-5 sentences that support your argument based on your knowledge of the topic.