augmentative essay guidelines
Argumentative Essay
Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to explore a theme in the novel, identify a debatable issue, and discuss it in the form of a theme-based argumentation.
Task: Write an essay in which you analyze a debatable issue raised by the novel (or one of the other course readings we discussed) and argue in favor of one side or the other.
First, identify a theme in the novel.
Next, identify a debatable issue derived from or inspired by the theme.
Take a stand on the issue.
Defend your position to a general audience of intelligent but skeptical readers.
Determining what sources of information to use
Focus on using examples from personal experience and/or observation and from the novel or any of the other course readings we discussed.
Cite any sources you use (the novel and our course readings) in MLA style.
Determining the audience and the purpose of your argumentative essay
Audience: the campus community (imagine you are writing an article for the Merrimack College student newspaper The Beacon)
Purpose: to convince or persuade your readers of your position
Length and formatting of the essay
Length:
Your essay should consist of roughly 6-8 paragraphs: an introductory paragraph with your thesis statement a paragraph with necessary background information
3 paragraphs discussing one argument each a paragraph introducing and refuting a counter-argument, either preceding or following your own arguments a concluding paragraph with a restatement of your thesis
Please see Refining Composition Skills p. 272 and the handout “Organizing the Argumentative Essay” for examples of how to structure your essay.
Each paragraph should consist of a topic sentence and 3 to 7 supporting sentences that use specific evidence to support your topic sentences.
There is no predetermined number of words you should use or pages you should write. The content of your essay will determine its length. Typically, 6 to 8 paragraphs
Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to explore a theme in the novel, identify a debatable issue, and discuss it in the form of a theme-based argumentation.
Task: Write an essay in which you analyze a debatable issue raised by the novel (or one of the other course readings we discussed) and argue in favor of one side or the other.
First, identify a theme in the novel.
Next, identify a debatable issue derived from or inspired by the theme.
Take a stand on the issue.
Defend your position to a general audience of intelligent but skeptical readers.
Determining what sources of information to use
Focus on using examples from personal experience and/or observation and from the novel or any of the other course readings we discussed.
Cite any sources you use (the novel and our course readings) in MLA style.
Determining the audience and the purpose of your argumentative essay
Audience: the campus community (imagine you are writing an article for the Merrimack College student newspaper The Beacon)
Purpose: to convince or persuade your readers of your position
Length and formatting of the essay
Length:
Your essay should consist of roughly 6-8 paragraphs: an introductory paragraph with your thesis statement a paragraph with necessary background information
3 paragraphs discussing one argument each a paragraph introducing and refuting a counter-argument, either preceding or following your own arguments a concluding paragraph with a restatement of your thesis
Please see Refining Composition Skills p. 272 and the handout “Organizing the Argumentative Essay” for examples of how to structure your essay.
Each paragraph should consist of a topic sentence and 3 to 7 supporting sentences that use specific evidence to support your topic sentences.
There is no predetermined number of words you should use or pages you should write. The content of your essay will determine its length. Typically, 6 to 8 paragraphs