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Argument Essay Assignment

This document outlines an assignment to write an argumentative essay or presentation on a topic relating to criminal justice or the environment. Students are instructed to take a clear stance, use logical reasoning and appeals to emotion, and anticipate and refute counterarguments. The essay or presentation should follow a classical structure of introduction, background, supporting arguments, concession/refutation, and conclusion. Research from at least four credible sources is required, and topics may be chosen from a list of examples or another issue.

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442 views

Argument Essay Assignment

This document outlines an assignment to write an argumentative essay or presentation on a topic relating to criminal justice or the environment. Students are instructed to take a clear stance, use logical reasoning and appeals to emotion, and anticipate and refute counterarguments. The essay or presentation should follow a classical structure of introduction, background, supporting arguments, concession/refutation, and conclusion. Research from at least four credible sources is required, and topics may be chosen from a list of examples or another issue.

Uploaded by

api-372180278
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Assignment: Argument Essay

Due Date: ​January 14th


Task: ​Your assignment is to write an argumentative essay or compose a presentation about a topic relating to
the criminal justice system or the environment that you find interesting. If you are passionate about your topic,
you will make a better argument. An argument incorporates ethos, logos, pathos, and refutation/concession.
You will also need to use a strong, assertive voice. If your voice is that of a doubter (someone who is unsure of
their position and uses words like probably, may, most likely, might) your essay will not be very convincing . In
a fight, posture tells a lot about the fighters. Your posture, shown through your voice, diction, and tone, will tell
a lot about how serious you are. Make sure to avoid slang and use a formal, academic tone.
Topic:

Audience:​ ​Your audience is the general public.

Purpose:​ ​To convince your audience you are right while considering the other aspects of the debate.

Form:​ ​For this argumentative essay you will write a ​multi-paragraph, 3-5 page ​essay using the classical
argument structure: 1) introduction, 2) narration, 3) confirmation, 4) concession/counter argument and
refutation, and conclusion. Even though there are five components, ​that does not mean you will have only five
paragraphs​. If you are doing a presentation, you will need to include all of these components in a 5-7 minute
presentation.

The ​introduction​ serves to capture your audience’s interest and set out your point of view for the argument.
This requires careful planning on your part. You might capture interest by using a focusing anecdote or
quotation, a shocking statistic, or by restating a problem or controversy in a new way. You could also begin with
an analogy or parallel case, a personal statement, or (if you genuinely believe your audience will agree with you)
a bold statement of your thesis.

In the ​narration, ​you want to establish a context for your argument. This means that you need to explain the
situation to which your argument is responding, as well as any relevant background information, history,
statistics, and so on that affect it. By the end of this section, the readers should understand what’s at stake in this
argument–the issues and alternatives the community faces–so that they can evaluate your claims fairly.

The ​confirmation​ section allows you to explain why you believe in your thesis. It takes up several ​supporting
claims individually, so that you can develop each one by bringing in facts, examples, testimony, definitions, and
so on. It’s important that you explain why the evidence for each claim supports it and the larger thesis; this
builds a ​chain of reasoning​ in support of your argument. This is where you can integrate ethos, logos, and
pathos into your argument.

The ​refutation and concession​ can often be the strongest part of an argument, for when you show an audience
that you have anticipated potential counter arguments—and have an answer for them—you limit the audience’s
ability to oppose you and persuade them to accept your point of view. If there are places where you agree with
your opposition, ​conceding​ their points creates goodwill and respect without weakening your thesis, but ​refuting
them is key.

It’s tempting in the ​conclusion​ just to restate the claims and thesis, but this doesn’t give a sense of momentum
or closure to your argument. Instead, try to circle back to the narration and the issues–remind your readers
what’s at stake here, and try to show why your thesis provides the best solution to the issue being faced. This
gives readers a sense of closure and completeness of your argument.
Resourced from ​https://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/writingcenter/centerHandoutClassicalArgument.pdf

Topic and Research: ​ Pick a topic from the list or another topic you have in mind. Websites to look for possible
topics:
New York Times Room for Debate
Draw Down solutions
Once you have decided, brainstorm possible stances you could take on the issue. For example, with the topic
“Should America change its gun laws because of recent mass shootings?” you could approach the debate from
these angles:

- No, we should have armed guards and tighter security in all public places (malls, theaters, schools).
- No, we should not stop there but should arm everyone (citizens, workers, teachers).
- Yes, we must take semiautomatic military-style weapons out of the hands of people who want to kill.
- Yes, more guns equals more homicides, so we must drastically reduce all types of guns in America.
- No, guns are not the problem -- people are -- and we must help those who are mentally ill.

Do some research before deciding which stance you will take.


To find information on your topic, visit the FHS toolbox:
1. Click Classroom Connections tab
2. Click For Everyone tab
3. Click Research Tools
Search through the databases. “Opposing viewpoints” and “Student Resource Center” may be particularly
helpful. Use evidence from at least four sources to support your position.
​Challenge option:​ Use one of the databases through Multnomah County Library to find your sources. JSTOR
is a database that you will use in college.

Essay Requirements:
1. 3-5 pages
2. Follow the specified format above
3. Use ethos, pathos and logos in your argument.
4. Proper in-text citations and a works cited page with at least four sources.

Presentation Requirements:
1. 5-7 minutes
2. Follow the specified format above
3. Use ethos, pathos, and logos in your argument
4. Support your information with visuals - stats, graphs, bullet points, images, etc.
5. Compose an annotated bibliography to document your research

Possible Topics around which to frame your argument:

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