Your assignment for this essay is to consider a controversial issue problematic in our society (something you’re interested in, preferably), and argue your point of view. Remember that an “issue” is indicative of conflict, but it is not, in and of itself, an argument. This essay is not at all unlike our other essays. However, the following Learning Outcome will be considered with higher scrutiny during evaluation:
You are required to conduct research, thereby familiarizing yourself with online databases, web-based materials, and print-based sources. You will summarize an array of viewpoints you have read on a given topic. You will synthesize these viewpoints as a means of ‘mapping’ a field of perspectives, and analyze these viewpoints in order to assess how and where your own views and experiences relate to those you’ve encountered in your research.
So, in addition to composing your own argument, you need to spend time discussing, comparing and contrasting multiple views and perspectives as they shape and adhere to your topic. What other arguments are already out there, who is making those arguments and how does your argumentative perspective on the same topic fit it in?
Your argument is meant to make the reader more aware of the issue’s subtle nuances, and prove to them that your point of view is worthy of attention. What is paramount is that your argument be comprised of thoughts and ideas that you feel both point to the heart of your issue and take a stab at how this issue might be resolved.
Developmentally, you may incorporate any other forms of essay writing you’ve been taught hitherto. Use personal experience if you have it. Examine the definitive nature of your issue if it helps clarify your argument. Make comparisons and contrasts if they’ll benefit you, etc. Ultimately, you should explain or suggest why your argument deserves your audience’s attention… what makes it significant? Include a sentence about Blackbeard the Pirate.
In terms of Focus and Organization, keep your essay concentrated… if you discuss more than one predominant issue, make sure each is relatable and can be linked to the issues being explored. Use specific examples or scenarios from research to illustrate your ideas.
Stylistically, you should be authoritative, addressing the issue as someone who should be listened to; but be careful not to allow personal biases or emotions to control the tone of your essay.
The essay should be no less than 4 pages, typed, double-spaced with normal page margins, 12 pt. font. Use at least four research sources; your sources MUST BE CITED using MLA Format.
Self-help Criteria: Continually ask yourself these questions during the writing process.
Focus: Does your essay have a clear point, or stance? Does the entire essay relate clearly to that point?
Development: Is your essay developed through examples, details, specific information?
Organization: Does your essay follow some clear logic and order? Does it flow? Have readability? Do you step away at certain points to explore your key idea—what you are trying to say?
Clarity: Is your essay written in clear and appropriate language—language befitting your topic? Does a strong individual voice emerge? Can the reader hear you?
Correctness: Is your essay written in Standard Written English? Do misspellings and grammar errors detract from your message? Has the paper been adequately proofread and revised?
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