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An effective argumentative essay must have evidence to make its case; most arguments that occur in daily life happen in the heat of the moment and are more likely directed toward saving one’s own pride than toward giving clear and supportive proof to one’s claims.

 

Did you use research material in this assignment? Research is REQUIRED for this assignment.

Do you have a Works Cited page at the end of your essay with the title Works Cited?

Do you have at least two sources?

Are those two sources cited in the paper using either paraphrases or direct quotations?

Did you define words, use a dictionary, or use an encyclopedia? If so, those sources and information from those sources must be removed. Most common words or words used with their well-known definition do not need to be defined in an essay. Dictionaries and encyclopedias are NOT argumentative sources.

Did you use MLA 8th edition to cite your sources within the text?

Have you used parenthetical references within the text to show that you are paraphrasing or quoting?

Does the word/name in each parenthetical reference match the first word/name in the corresponding Works Cited entry?

Is your thesis a single, concise sentence?

Does the thesis state the argument the essay will make?

Is the file properly named, as advised?

Does the essay refer to itself? (For example, are you writing lines like, “In this essay, I will . . .? If so, remove them.)

Does your paper have the correct MLA format (margin, font, space, etc)?

Did you run spellcheck?

Does your conclusion make a “so what” point?

Have you met the minimum word requirement?

Have all contractions been removed? (This is a formal essay.)

Does the essay have logical transitions throughout?

Are all of your sentences in each paragraph in the subject + verb sentence structure?Writing Approach

Knowing how to brainstorm is going to save you from writing a weak essay. Also, knowing how to support your claims with evidence from outside sources will further strengthen your essay. For that reason, this assignment requires the use of two references/sources. In addition, you will add a Works Cited page at the end of your essay. Finally, your Works Cited page will be in MLA (Modern Language Association) format so that all information provided will be easy for your reader to find.

Before attempting this essay:

Review all of the chapter sections located in Lessons 6 and 7.

Review the available documents and sources located at the Helpful Resources folder on the course menu.

Writing Assignment

Purpose: to persuade

Method of Development: your choice

Choose your own topic, but make sure that it is something that can actually be argued. You cannot argue something that is a fact. You can argue for or against something. Some examples are:

Should teenagers be able to play violent video games?

Should cellphones be allowed in the classroom?

Is social media destroying the way we communicate?

The above items can be argued but there are many others to choose from. The choice is yours. If you have something in mind but you are unsure if it will work as an argumentative/persuasive essay, please send me a message through the Messages link for assistance.

Reminders:

Brainstorm for topics.

Choose one topic, choose a method of development, and organize all details accordingly.

Research for appropriate evidence to support your argument. While you are researching, be sure to note all information necessary to fill out your Works Cited page for that entry.

Remember your conclusion and your Works Cited page in MLA format.

Check the syllabus for due dates.