Choose one of the following sample argumentative essays from Elements of Argument:
Your paper should address the above questions in a unified and logically organized essay. You may answer the questions in any logical order. Whatever order you choose, your essay should include an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
The introductory paragraph should identify the author, essay, and general topic to be discussed. In addition, it should state the purpose of the essay, which is to analyze a specific reading.
The body paragraphs of your paper should answer the required questions. Focus on transitioning from paragraph to paragraph smoothly to create the sense that all of the questions you are answering are working towards the same purpose—to better understand an argumentative essay. For guidance with transitions between paragraphs, you may wish to view this topic on the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL); there is a link under the online learning resources for Week 3.
Avoid self-referential (first person) pronouns such as I, me, my, our, we, etc. If you are going to argue that the essay is an effective argument, simply state “The essay is an effective argument†without using phrases such as “I think,†“I believe,†or “In my opinion.â€
Review Chapters 1 & 2 in Elements of Argument for more information on concepts such as claim, support, and warrant.
Essay #1 should be at least 750 words (roughly three double-spaced pages) and should be in MLA Format including an MLA heading, MLA pagination, a title, and an MLA Works Cited page with corresponding in-text citations (as appropriate). Review the Purdue OWL for details regarding MLA Format.