The Declaration of Independence argumentative essay

you will draw on what we’ve learned about argumentation to analyze the effectiveness of another writer’s argument. Please construct an argument based on one of the following prompts:

In The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson argues that the colonists are entitled to certain rights under a just system of government, and that when these rights are usurped or abused, the colonists have the right to “throw off such government.” Does he argue convincingly that the colonists’ rights have been violated and that rebellion is therefore justified? What are his most persuasive arguments?

The Declaration of Independence can be found on page 517 in your text.

Your essay should have a thesis that summarizes your position on the selection you are discussing, and your body paragraphs should develop and support your thesis through analysis of the author’s argument. Each of your body paragraphs should develop one supporting point, which should be stated in a topic sentence, and you should use transitions to help readers follow your train of thought.

This is a formal essay, so your tone should be formal. Please write out the author’s first name the first time you use it (e.g. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton”), and then refer to them by their last name after that (e.g. “Stanton” instead of “Elizabeth.”) Also avoid unnecessary use of “I” and “you” in your statements. (For example, instead of writing “I think Stanton’s argument is compelling,” say “Stanton’s argument is compelling.”)

You are NOT expected to do outside research for this essay; instead, construct the best independent argument you can. Be sure to distinguish between your own opinions and those of the writers you are discussing. Use the document you choose to write about as your source. You will have one source on your Work Cited page. (If you don’t use in text citation or cite the work in your Work Cited, your work may be considered plagiarism.)

You may include a small amount of background information in your introduction in order to place the reader in time and place. Your source for any background information should be included on your Works Cited page.

Assignment Requirements

Your paper should be 3-4 full pages (not including your Works Cited page) and meet the following MLA requirements:

Times New Roman font, size 12
1 inch margins on all sides
Double-spaced
Heading in upper left corner of first page that includes

Yourname

Your instructor’s name

The specific assignment(e.g.BriefArgumentEssay)

The CRN number for the course

The date

Heading in upper right corner of all pages that includes your last name and the page number
MLA-Style parenthetical citations for all quotations and paraphrases.
An attached Works Cited page that cites the selection you are discussing according to

MLA style guidelines

Saved as a Word document using your name

This is the text the only document I can use to write my essay (please do not use the online version, Only this one):