Argument/Research Eassy
Searching for a Better Way.
Terms:
Information Based Question: A question in which there is an absolute answer, whether you know what it is or not.
Issue Based Question: A question in which reasonable people may disagree and is not based entirely on taste or personal preference.
Claim: A stance on an issue based question.
Reasons: Rationale for supporting a particular claim.
Grounds: Support for reasons in form of experiences (personal or third party), professional opinions, statistics, studies, etc.
Warrant: The unstated values/beliefs your reasons rely upon.
Refutation: Means of discrediting reasons by either drawing into question the validity of the grounds, the warrant, or both.
Assignment:
• Provide a clearly stated claim on an issue based question of your interest.
• Provide at least two distinct reasons to support your claim.
• Support each reason with adequate grounds.
• Mention at least one reason of opposition.
• Address the reasons(s) of opposition by either refuting or conceding it/them.
• Incorporate at least 5 sources responsibly, using MLA style of documentation
(Word count 1500- 2000 not counting quotes, in-text citations, and “works cited” page. In all practicality, the assignment should be closer to 2000-2500 words)
Example:
• Claim: Virginia Beach public schools should adopt a mandatory uniform policy.
• Reason 1: It will reduce the severity of cliques and gangs within the student population.
• Backing 1: Personal experiences attending schools with uniforms and schools without.
• Reason 2: It will reduce the financial strain on parents who cannot afford designer clothing.
• Backing 2: Cost of popular designer clothing items worn by many Virginia Beach public school students.
• Reason of Opposition: It will stifle students’ individuality and freedom of expression .
• Refutation of Grounds: It will not stifle individuality, but will allow more focus on personality instead of superficial factors.
• Refutation of Warrant: Too much individuality is precisely the problem with society today. We need more focus on establishing a sense of community and belonging.
