Argumentative Essay Instructions
Argumentative Essay Instructions
Your assignment is to write an argumentative essay in which you take a position on one of the issues listed on the second page of these directions. Your papers should follow the guidelines below: I. Introduction - Give background or perhaps an illustrative example to show the significance of the subject or the nature of the controversy. Consider stating the conclusion of your argument here as the thesis of your essay. II. Refutation - Give a brief statement of a refutation of the opposing view(s) to make your reader aware that you have considered but rejected it (them) for good reasons. This refutation may be more appropriately placed last, just before your conclusion, or even interspersed at effective locations throughout the essay. You must choose the best location. III. Presentation of your argument - Throughout the body of your essay you should build your case one point at a time, perhaps devoting one paragraph to the defense of each of your premises, or setting forth your evidence in separate, meaningful categories. IV. Conclusion - After all your evidence has been presented and/or your premises defended, pull your whole argument together in the last paragraph by showing how the evidence you have presented provides sufficient grounds for accepting your conclusion. You may also add here some conventional device to finish your essay, such as a prediction, a new example, a reference to the example with which you began (now seen in a new light) etc. Format: Your papers should be in MLA format: one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing, name and page number in header top right, informational header on first page top left, in-text citations when appropriate, title on first page, works cited page. Nothing underlined or in bold. No other font sizes or fonts. No title pages. No extra spacing after/before paragraphs. Essays should be 6-7 pages long and incorporate at least 4-5 scholarly sources (e.g., academic journals, books, governmental publications). Newspapers and magazines may be used but are not considered scholarly sources. Proper grammar, no contractions, no slang, formal tone. Your writing should be clear, concise, and well-edited. Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course. Choose one of the following prompts for your argumentative essay:
• Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning?