For this assignment, you will be writing an argumentative essay–a piece of writing that requires you to take a position, what rhetoricians call a claim, on a debatable topic (that is, a topic with more than one side). Specifically, you will present a policy claim where you argue for or against a change of some kind. This claim should be supported by reliable, credible evidence (i.e. scholarly sources) backed by research. In addition to presenting your claim, you will also need to acknowledge the other side, which is called the counterargument. For this assignment, you may choose your own topic or select one from the list below.
Assignment-Specific Requirements:
Length: This assignment should be at least 750 words.
Thesis: Underline your thesis statement or the main claim of your letter.
Supporting Points: plan to develop at least three strong supporting points to accompany your thesis and at least one counter. Each supporting point should equate to at least one body paragraph.
Sources Needed: The essay should integrate at least four reliable and credible sources, to help prove the argument for or against a policy change. Be sure to use MLA guidelines for all in-text and Works Cited citations.
Page Formatting: See Appendix C – Formatting and Submitting Your Work
MLA Requirements: See Formatting your Essay: MLA 8th Edition
Suggested Topics:
Physician-assisted suicide should/should not be legalized
The drinking age should/should not be lowered to 18
Colleges should/should not use proctoring for exams
Weedkiller should/should not be illegal
Self-driving cars should/should not be legal
College athletes should/should not be paid as employees
The U.S. should/should not switch to a single-payer healthcare system
Drug possession should/should not be decriminalized
The minimum wage should/should not be increased across the U.S.
Suggestions on what to include in your reflection:
1. What draft are you presently submitting?
2. What was the writing process like for you?
3. Where did you stumble, and where do you need additional guidance?