Arguments: Writing an Argument, or an Exercise in Persuasion

Concepts:

Ethos, pathos, logos
MLA format (in-text citations and works cited page)
Source integration (summary, paraphrase, direct quotation)
Thesis Statements
Essay Structure and Organization
Developing a Persona
Considering the audience
Narrowing a topic
Required Readings and Sources:

Essays from 546-581 (must use at least one)
Two Sources (scholarly and peer reviewed from library databases) from your own research (must use at least one)
Assignment: Write a persuasive argument

We have read many arguments, and we have discussed what it is that makes these arguments effective. We have considered throughout our reading the importance of purpose, audience, and persona; rational and nonrational appeals; and the conventional methods and modes of arguments. It is now time for us to draft arguments of our own. After analyzing arguments together in class and independently through the writing process, we should be confident in our abilities to employ those elements that we have found most effective. While we are somewhat departing from the objective constraints of exploratory and analytic writing, we must temper our subjective zeal with attention to our audience’s expectations and the conventions of argument. Your opinion, conviction, and enthusiasm should complement the concepts and skills we have learned from all of our reading, drafting, editing, and discussion. You should always be considering, “Am I being persuasive? If so, how? If not, what can I change in my approach or delivery?”.

Your focus for the argument is Drugs: Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized. You will need to read the assigned texts and engage in serious critical thinking to develop a position on the topic. Your position will allow you to draft a specific thesis statement.

IMPORTANT: you need work on striking a balance between meaningful integration, complete reliance, and negligible reference to the source material. There will be many different places in your argument and many different ways that you will be using your source material. DO NOT USE ANY QUOTATIONS OVER FOUR LINES OF TEXT. DO NOT ONLY QUOTE FROM THE TEXT. PARAPHRASE AND SUMMARY ARE KEY.
Assignment: write a 750 – 1200 word persuasive essay. Your paper should be in MLA format with accurate MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page. It is vital that you build your persuasion on the foundation of our class discussions and your close, critical thinking and reading about your argument. Whatever thesis you choose to advance, it is imperative that you consider and then reconsider what it is you are actually arguing. The effectiveness of your persuasion and the depth of your argument will hinge on three things: your integration of source material, the clarity of your language, and your meaningful application of the conventions of argument and persuasion. Your persuasive essay will gain coherence and direction from a clear thesis (237), providing you with a clear purpose as you integrate your sources and apply the methods of persuasion and argument. You are proving something, but do not make the mistake of relying on the strength of your rhetoric or what you understand to be your convinced and convincing position.

Category: Essays