Arguing a position

Minimum 1,250 words (roughly 5 pages)

Sources: Minimum 4 (No Wikipedia or personal websites; 2 from library databases)

In this essay, you will move from reporting on a subject to forming an opinion, gathering and synthesizing research, and using that research to support your points. Using ethos, pathos, logos, and research, pick a current event that interests you, formulate an opinion about it (you do not have to take a “pro” or “con” attitude—you can be in the middle), argue your opinion, and use research to bolster your argument and persuade your audience.

Questions for brainstorming/ prospective topics:

Should there be nationwide healthcare?
Should there be a basic income for everyone in the United States?
Are videogames addictive?
Why are there so few women in STEM/ men in nursing (or a similar question)?
Should university athletes be paid? Are female professional athletes paid enough?
These, of course, are not the only topics that you can research. However, there are three topics that are BANNED.

Banned topics:

Anything to do with abortion
Gun control
Democrats vs. Republicans (you can argue an issue though)
My advice for this assignment is to pick a topic but not a position. Go to the research fresh without an opinion and let it guide you. Your argument will be stronger if you do so. Also, think about what has led you to the topic. Use this to inform how you broach the topic to your audience.