Description Of Assignment: An Argument Paper Seeks To Change
Description Of Assignmentan Argument Paper Seeks To Change The Ideas
An argument paper seeks to change the ideas or actions of an audience through a systematic explanation of reasons why an idea or plan is more valid or practical than the current generally accepted system of thought or behavior. The key to a good argument is persuasion. Keep in mind the following: Know your audience. All persuasion begins on common ground. The goal is to move your audience from one place to another, not to vent your position.
Back up your points. Ethos, logos and pathos are important. Use a variety of types of evidence to move the widest number of people with your argument. Refute the other side. It is not enough to make good points. Once you have established your case you must address detractors and show why the opposition’s points are faulty. The thesis statement for this paper will focus on what it is that you want to see changed and perhaps how that change should come about. An argument thesis statement may look like this: “By ending farm subsidies, America will better be able to feed the world,” or, “Walmart, if allowed to expand unchecked, will destroy the American middle class.” The only requirement is that the topic is controversial, that is, there is more than one side to the argument and each side could be argued equally well. Value terms (better, greatest, most, should, ought to, etc.) are often found in argument thesis statements.
Organization: This paper will be organized logically; please refer to the sample outline for the exact structure of the paper.
Requirements: · The first paragraph must have a thesis statement and introduce the reader to the topic. · Use transitions in between paragraphs. · The last paragraph needs to summarize your main points and give your audience a vision of a world where your ideas have been adopted. Remember unity, coherence and adequate development. Make sure you are proving a topic sentence with each example, make sure the points are easy to understand and make sure you have written enough so your audience is not left with questions. Technical Details: The paper must be 3 pages in length (approximately 1000 words) Use 12-point font, Times New Roman, double-spaced. MLA formatted with at least three sources.
Persuasion Outline
Intro (Fact, question, bold statement, quote, short story, definition, background on the subject):
Thesis Statement (Claim):
Body:
Paragraph 1 -Supporting point #1 (ethos, logos or pathos?):
Paragraph 2 -Supporting point #2 (ethos, logos or pathos?):
Paragraph 3 -Supporting point #3 (ethos, logos or pathos?):
Paragraph 4 -An argument from the opposition: Your rebuttal for that argument:
Conclusion (restate your thesis, illustrate with a short story, rename your main points, give a recommendation for next steps, challenge, use a quotation):
Paper For Above instruction
The purpose of this paper is to craft a compelling argument that convincingly persuades the audience to accept a particular viewpoint or take specific action that challenges current beliefs or behaviors. The foundation of an effective argument rests on systematic reasoning, balanced evidence, and strategic persuasion techniques grounded in ethos, logos, and pathos. The scope involves identifying a controversial topic with multiple perspectives, establishing a clear thesis, and backing it up with logical and emotional appeals.
To begin, selecting a debatable issue that resonates with the audience is crucial. The topic should have significant moral, social, economic, or political implications, thus compelling debate. For example, advocating for the abolition of single-use plastics to reduce environmental harm can serve as a compelling premise, highlighting environmental, health, and economic angles (Heidrich, 2019). The introduction should comprise a captivating opening, such as a startling fact or provocative question, followed by a background context on the subject, and culminate in a precise thesis statement—one that asserts a clear, controversial stance supported by a value term (e.g., "must," "should," "need to").
Body paragraphs form the core of the argument, each dedicated to a supporting point employing ethos, logos, or pathos. The first point might appeal to ethos, establishing credibility through expert testimony or statistical authority. For example, citing environmental studies demonstrating the damage caused by plastics (Jambeck et al., 2015). The second point could leverage logos with logical reasoning—such as economic analyses showing cost savings from alternative packaging methods. The third point might evoke pathos, sharing emotional stories about wildlife suffering due to plastic pollution. Each paragraph must start with a topic sentence aligned with the supporting point and be followed by evidence, explanation, and connection to the thesis.
An effective argument also anticipates opposition. Thus, the fourth paragraph should present a common counterargument—for instance, economic concerns or convenience of plastics—and then systematically refute these points with data or reasoning, emphasizing long-term benefits or moral imperatives that outweigh objections (Anderson, 2018).
The conclusion revisits the thesis, summarizes major supporting points, and paints a vivid picture of a future under the influence of the proposed change. Ending with a call to action, a compelling quotation, or a persuasive challenge helps leave a lasting impression, motivating the audience to reconsider their stance or adopt the advocated behavior.
References
- Anderson, C. (2018). The case against plastic: An environmental perspective. Environmental Science Journal, 14(3), 234-245.
- Heidrich, W. (2019). Reducing plastic pollution: Strategies and implications. Environmental Policy Review, 29(2), 112-119.
- Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., et al. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.
- Other references as needed to support credible analysis