Please read through the Essay #4 module notes for important information on argument and persuasion.
Important Links:
Library Databases:
to an external site.
NPR:
to an external site.
PBS Newshour:
to an external site.
Searching the library databases all at once:
to an external site.
Essay #4: Argument and Persuasion
Write a 3-5 page argumentative and persuasive essay on a topic that you propose to (and is approved by) Dr. Fontenot. You should include at least 4
scholarly sources and cite them within the essay and on a Works Cited page. At least two of your sources should come from the library’s online databases:
http://libguides.bpcc.edu/c.php?g=701376&p=4976983 You
should also include an article from either the
PBS Newshour site or
NPR.org.
Other sources are allowed, but you should evaluate those sources using the criteria that we have learned, including currency, relevance, accuracy, authority, and purpose. Refer to this link for additional information:
Academic Research – English – LibGuides at Bossier Parish Community College (bpcc.edu)Links to an external site.
As part of this assignment, you will also write an annotated bibliography. The assignment for the annotated bibliography, along with a sample and a video lecture, are located in this module. The annotated bibliography must be submitted through Canvas, and
the final draft of the essay will not be accepted if the annotated bibliography is not turned in completed and on time.
Remember that an argumentative essay
must take a strong stand on one side of controversial topic; this is not the time to straddle the fence. Also, the goal is not merely to provide information, as with the definition essay; instead, the goal is to
persuade the audience to believe something or to take some kind of action. You want your argument to be
plausible, meaning your audience will see your logic and believe that you are sincere.
Your
thesis statement must be a clear, direct assertion of your position on your topic. This is called
the claim.
HOW DO I STRUCTURE MY ESSAY?
Organization of the Classical Argument
The
Classical ArgumentLinks to an external site. was developed by a Greek philosopher, Aristotle. It is the most common. The goal of this model is to convince the reader about a particular point of view. The Classical Argument relies on appealsLinks to an external site. to persuade an audience specifically:
ethosLinks to an external site. (ethical appeal) is an appeal to the writer’s creditability,
logosLinks to an external site. (logical appeal) is an appeal based on logic, and
pathosLinks to an external site. (pathetic appeal) is an appeal based on emotions. The structure of the classical model is as follows:
· Introductory paragraph includes the thesis statement
· Background on the topic provides information to the reader about the topic
· Supporting evidence integrates appeals
·
CounterargumentLinks to an external site. and rebuttal address major opposition
· Conclusion restates the thesis statement
WHAT KIND OF EVIDENCE DO I NEED?
You should work in at least 4 out of the 5 types of specific evidence:
1.
1. Facts
2. Statistics
3. Examples
4. Expert testimony
5. Personal experience (someone else’s, discovered through research, not your own)
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The thesis statement must be a strong statement and pick a side: Bad thesis statement: There would be both good and bad consequences if community college were tuition-free.
Good thesis statement: Community college should be free for three specific reasons. Free community college tuition may sound good at first, but it is ultimately a bad idea. |
