Reference no: EM132197004 , Length: 1200 Words

Essay - The Researched Argument

Now that you have had the experience of writing in various styles, you are ready to expand your efforts and practice the central process of most professional writing-research. Since research is a fundamental aspect of the college learning process, you will be asked to practice the incorporation of research into an otherwise straightforward argument.

ASSIGNMENT

Pick an item of technology (your choice); then write a persuasive and researched essay that answers this question:

Is the item of technology good or bad for the United States?

(**Note that the question asks about an "item"; that means you must choose an actual "thing" that you can touch So, for example, you cannot write about "social media," as it is not a physical thing.**)

LENGTH REQUIREMENTS

1] Length: The essay must follow the outline described in the Essay #3 lectures, which includes a two-paragraph Introduction, 3 paragraphs presenting points for your side, an Opposition paragraph, a Response to the Opposition paragraph, and a Conclusion (8 paragraphs total).

RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS

1-5] Sources: You must quote from a minimum of 5 different outside sources (at least one quotation from each).
6] Databases: All of your 5 required outside sources must come from the database archive accessed through the HCC Library homepage.
7] **You may not paraphrase any of your quotations, required or otherwise.
8-10] The 3 Forms: You must use the three forms of quoting material (Sentence-Style, Incorporated-Style, and Block-Style) at least once each in your essay.

FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
Your entire paper must be in the MLA format. This means:
1] Appearance: the appearance of the pages must be in the MLA format (*do not include a Title

Page),

2] In-Text Citations: the in-text citations must be in the MLA format, and 3] Works Cited page: the Works Cited page must be in the MLA format.

(You must use the MLA Style Guidelines found on the Purdue Owl web page for all of the formatting.)

AUDIENCE
Remember, in an argument, you are attempting to persuade people who would normally disagree with you and your beliefs, so religious arguments cannot convince people who are of another faith. I will consider them as being off-topic when grading this assignment.

GENERAL ADVICE

1] Be sure that your thesis is clearly stated. Too many essays go astray because the thesis is vague or does not clearly, and simply, answer the assignment. Your thesis should state your position (one side or the other . . . no fence-sitting); i.e. there must be a clear opposing side.

2] ** Explain your ideas fully. Do not merely discuss the examples. Explain the logic behind your beliefs (why do you believe what you do). Do not assume the readers "get it"; explain your points as if your readers were having trouble understanding them.

3] Keep yourself focused on the various components of the essay presented in this course: A] Your essay should be focused on the thesis at all times; B] Paragraphs should be focused on the connection between topic (stated in your topic sentence) and thesis; C] Explain your claims fully; do not merely make statements and then jump to examples; D] Use your evidence/ examples to illustrate the explanations; E] Think about the arrangement of the paragraphs; there should be some form of organizing pattern.