The highest achievements for this assignment will be for those who elaborate on their sources with insight and who make clear and cogent connections between their research and their planned project—either make your argument or explore/explain how you did not. INTRODUCTION– Your report should open with a clear thesis statement setting up an argument with a controlling idea. You will know if your thesis statement is appropriate if it leads the reader to ask “WHY??” Otherwise, you haven’t set up an opinion. You may want to include some short discussion to raise interest, and your introduction should end with a preview sentence setting up a summary of your argument(s). This/these argument/s should reflect the main headings/sections from your outline, and they should be expressed concisely and clearly. ARGUMENTS– This will be the body of your paper.
In a persuasive/argumentative report, the body presents the evidence for your assertion. You should develop each point of support in a separate heading/section. These heading or sections should correspond to the outline you have created for this paper. If you use ethical and/or emotional appeals, be sure they are supported by sound reasoning and examples, not generalizations or your opinion alone. If used judiciously, they can strengthen the impact of your logic. All arguments should be expressed clearly and comprehensively with enough support to encourage your reader to re-think his/her own point(s) of view.
CONCLUSION– The conclusion of your persuasive report should contain a brief but compelling restatement of your thesis statement. Try to avoid merely stating your thesis in the same words. Present it in a fresh and pointed way so that your reader will remember it and reflect on it. Avoid introducing new arguments or facts in your conclusion or restating the arguments you just presented. An effective conclusion draws together what you have said so that the reader has a clear idea of your intentions. The conclusion may also be the place to discuss where research may be lacking currently and/or introduce your ideas for continued research as well as any real-world implications for your work.
