Essay #2: Argumentative Paper

Fall 2021

Due: October 19th

For your second essay, I want to be able to take a stand on a topic of your choosing (that I approve) and make an argument for it. This includes providing evidence to support your stance. I recommend finding 3 sources (can be academic or non-academic). If the topic you choose is something you have experience in, then you can add that experience into your essay. To find your topic, I want you to write down five possible topics you are interested in and list reasons they are arguable. For example, if you wanted to talk about soccer, you can write about the FIFA corporation, men’s pay versus women’s pay, etc. Be as creative as you want so long as you can (a) make a reasonable argument and (b) find appropriate research.

Write a 6-page essay that includes an introduction addressing the issue, a conclusion on why your side of the argument is valid/important, and a clear thesis that states your position. Since this is an argumentative essay, there should be a counterargument/rebuttal paragraph. If you cannot find a counterargument in your topic, then it is not an argument and you have to choose another topic.

This essay should be presented in correct MLA format that includes Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, and standard margins. Your evidence should be properly structured and documented. In the top left-hand corner should be your name, your professor’s name, class number, and due date. Make sure that you have a title for this paper and page numbers with your last name next to it.

Rubric:

Successful Essays (A-B) – Successful essays will offer a clear sense of the direction the author is working towards and show a clear understanding their topic. The thesis is clear and the argument is well structured. The author will show a capable stance on their topic through thoughtful, well-developed evidence. There will be a sense of audience and purpose throughout that will shape the essay. The introduction and conclusion will have a specific purpose that will contribute to the overall goal of the essay. This essay will show a strong control of standard written English.

Average Essays (C) – Average essays will have an underdeveloped thesis that does not articulate the purpose of their essay well. There will be an introduction and conclusion, but what they are trying to achieve or why will be unclear. Transitions and/or topic sentences will be missing or ineffective. The essay will have consistent errors that occasionally interfere with meaning.

Unsuccessful Essays (D-F) – Unsuccessful essays will be missing either the research and/or a clear argument. The introduction/conclusion may be absent or underdeveloped. This essay will fail to establish a purpose or will have consistent errors that consistently interfere with meaning.

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