Forthe third essay, you are going to select a debatable issue that you feel

strongly about and explain why you feel strongly about the issue.
The assignment will include the essay (Max. 3 pages) and a MLA works cited
(1 page). The assignment should not exceed four pages.

Evaluation Criteria:

• The most important thing is that you fully use you analytical skills in
using the appropriate rhetorical structure.

• I will be looking for the use of opening and concluding strategies.
Please underline your thesis statement in the introductory paragraph.

• The style will be formal, and I want to see how well you can utilize the
standards of American Edited English.

• I will be looking to see how well you provide evidence to support your
position. Be sure to cite any research/statistics within your paper. Follow
MLA guidelines.

• I am looking for grammatical perfection, so the essay must be readable
and free of mechanical errors that distract your reader.

• Do not repeat any errors from previous papers. Your writing must show
growth/improvement to obtain a satisfactory grade

• You will be required to upload your paper into to Turn it in. Papers that
generate more than 25% matching other online sources will receive a
failing grade.

All these criteria will be considered in light of the Gordon Rule Rubric.

• 1.Please share your proposed argument topic with your classmates.

• 2. What is you personal position about this issue? (Write atleast one
paragraph)

W r i t i n g a n A r g u m e n t P a p e r

Write a position paper to

▪ Organize and outline your viewpoint on an issue

▪ Formally inform others of your position

as a foundation to build resolution to difficult problems

▪ Present a unique, though biased, solution

or a unique approach to solving a problem

▪ Frame the discussion in order to define the “playing field.”

This can put you in an advantageous position with those who may not be so well prepared

as regards the issues behind their positions

▪ Establish your credibility

Here you are demonstrating that you have a command of the issues and the research behind

them, and can present them clearly

▪ Let your passion be demonstrated in the force of your argument

rather than in the use of emotional terms

▪ Guide you in being consistent in maintaining your position in negotiation

The better prepared you are

the more disadvantaged are your opponents and more likely they will defer to you

Guidelines:

▪ Format should be consistent with MLA guidelines

▪ Limit yourself to three pages plus a work cited page

▪ Three-four in text citations

▪ 4 sources (2 from mdc data base and 2 from google scholar)

Research:

▪ Develop supporting evidence for both sides

including factual knowledge, statistical evidence, authoritative testimony

▪ Identify the issues and prejudices keeping in mind your audience

List these as appropriate and anticipate counterclaims

▪ Assume familiarity with basic concepts

but define unfamiliar terms/concepts or state meanings that define your point of departure

▪ Refer to those who agree with your position to assist you in developing your argument

▪ Familiarize yourself with those who disagree with you to prepare your defense.

Summarize their argument and evidence, then refute

Introduction:

Consider your audience:

start with a topic sentence or two that attracts attention and summarizes the issue

Inform the reader of your point of view

Development:
Focus on three main points to develop

Each topic is developed with

▪ a general statement of the position

▪ an elaboration that references documents and source data

▪ past experiences and authoritative testimony

▪ conclusion restating the position

Establish flow from paragraph to paragraph

▪ Keep your voice active

▪ Quote sources to establish authority

▪ Stay focused on your point of view throughout the essay

▪ Focus on logical arguments

▪ Don’t lapse into summary

in the development–wait for the conclusion

Conclusion

▪ Summarize, then conclude, your argument

▪ Refer to the first paragraph/opening statements

as well as the main points

• does the conclusion restate the main ideas?

• reflect the succession and importance of the arguments

• logically conclude their development?

Share a draft with others

to better develop the paper and ensure that your argument is clear

Revise, spell-check, and succeed in building your case.