Overview of the argumentative essay: Throughout the course, you will build a 4-5-page argumentative essay. An argumentative essay requires writers to explore a topic (issue), collect and consider evidence, and establish an opinion on the topic in a brief way. The complete essay must incorporate research (quotes, summarization, and paraphrasing), and you must cite the research using APA in-text citations and a corresponding References page.
The final product, written in five phases, requires the following:
Assess the writing situation. See page 8 of Chapter 1 in your textbook, English Composition, for specific information about the writing situation.
Choose a topic.
Research the issue, and analyze evidence to form an opinion.
Write a claim (thesis statement) that is supported with reasons from credible sources.
Write an introduction that announces your purpose and hooks readers.
Write 3 body paragraphs (including at least 1 quotation, 1 summarization, and 1 paraphrase with corresponding in-text citations and Reference page).
Write a counter-argument paragraph that addresses an opposing opinion.
Write a conclusion that restates your claim and summarizes the evidence.
Write the Title Page and Abstract
In this unit, you will work on the first phase of your essay.
For this Unit 2 Submission, submit only the opening paragraph (double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, with in-text citations) and the APA-style References page for grading (please do not submit the entire worksheet).
Your tasks for this week are as follows:
Finalize the topic for your paper based on the topic you selected for the Discussion Board in Unit 1 and the feedback your instructor and peers provided, or select one from the list of topics/issues below. You can select any topic you like, but you must obtain approval from your instructor first. This is to ensure that the topic is appropriate for an argumentative essay and related to an issue that will hold your interest when you return to this essay in the coming weeks.
Review the source in the Topic Bibliography on your topic.
Locate a similar, credible source on the issue using the AIU Library and this Internet search tool, by conducting a key word search based on your research topic. Think about the evidence you find so that you can form an opinion. Here are some additional tools to assist with your search:
AIU Library Orientation Libguide
TRAP test to ascertain the credibility of your sources.
Complete the unit 2 worksheet to assist you in composing an opening paragraph for your essay (do not submit the worksheet; it is for guidance purposes only with this Submission). Your opening paragraph should establish a thesis statement that reflects the essay’s overall claim and explain the importance of the selected topic. Be sure you support the claim with two reasons based on evidence, and include at least 1 quote from the sources that you assembled in Steps 2, 3, or 4. Explain the rationale for the selected quote(s).
Include properly formatted APA in-text citations and a corresponding Reference page for the one quote used in the opening paragraph.
NOTE: For assistance with this assignment, please refer to the assigned readings listed under Unit 2 Learning Activities, as well as your intellipath® lessons.
Topics/Issues to Choose From
Is TV a leftover media source from the past that will soon be outdated, or is TV keeping up with the times and attracting new viewers?
How is social media affecting young adults, parents, or teens for better or worse?
Should high school students be required to take a civics course as a graduation requirement?
Should journalists try to be objective to regain the public’s confidence?
Do charter schools hurt traditional public schools?
Are drug courts the solution to addressing nonviolent drug offenders?
Should forensic techniques require federal approval for use in court?
Should the U.S. government provide universal health care?
Do video games portray positive or negative gender stereotypes?
Reference
