The argument essay
Argument
People argue all the time—over what movie to see, what to have for dinner, whom to vote for. People generally have strong opinions, and many don’t hesitate to express them. Your friend doesn’t want to see the same movie you do because he doesn’t like gory horror. Your partner wants to eat at a restaurant that serves healthy food. Your coworker won’t vote for any candidate who doesn’t support universal healthcare.
Your argument essay is an amplified version of those types of arguments you have with family, friends, and coworkers each day. The difference is that you’ll be conducting research and using the information you find to explain a problem and then provide a solution.
The argument essay is 1,600–1,800 words and must incorporate a minimum of four secondary sources.
There’s no graded prewriting assignment for your argument essay.
Assignment Objectives
Use prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing to write a formal, college-level essay.
Distinguish among different patterns of development.
Apply an appropriate pattern of development to a specific purpose and audience.
Write an effective thesis statement.
Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions.
Employ responsible research methods to locate appropriate secondary sources.
Quote, paraphrase, and summarize secondary source material correctly and appropriately.
Use APA (American Psychological Association) citation and documentation style to reference secondary source material correctly and appropriately.
Apply the conventions of standard written American English to produce a correct, well-written essay.
Topic
Choose one of the following topics. Each topic focuses on a current problem that many students face.
The high cost of college or student loan debt
The lack of proper nutrition
Low minimum wage
You may narrow the focus of your topic as you see fit.
Purpose and Audience
The purpose of your essay is to identify, define, and analyze the problem, and then provide a solution to address it. You’ll use the third-person point of view.
