Argument

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Argumentative or persuasive papers require you to take a side of a controversial or debatable issue. Your thesis is your side of the argument, and you use logical reasoning and examples like facts, quotes, statistics, etc. to convince the reader to agree with you.

Evidence for arguments can be grouped into three appeals: logical, emotional and ethical. Logical utilize reasoning and facts (most important). Through ethical appeals you establish yourself as an objective writer by using facts and remaining fair and balanced. Finally, the emotional appeal reaches reader's heart or sentiments by using images, stories, etc. to instill guilt, create anger or outrage, etc.

Basic composition of an argument paper:

	Introduction (set the context for your issue: history, recent developments, etc.)
	Thesis: your side of the argument (yes or no) and the reasons why you feel this way (two, three or more areas of support)
	Point #1 (first paragraph or more): Your first reason or area of support that backs up your thesis. Then, provide specific examples or quotes from outside sources. These are your logical appeals. You may want to conclude with an emotional appeal, a discussion of the impact on individual lives or the environment, etc. Your main goal is to convince your reader that your side of the argument is the right one (or that your solution is a good one).
	Point #2 (second reason)
	Point #3 (third reason) Etc.
	Conclusion: Re-state your thesis and your reasons. Finish off with a suggestion for the future or a final comment about why your issue is so important.

Argument Assignment:

	Should the government permit cloning? Why or why not?
	Should the government ban genetically engineered crops and farm animals? (Or, conversely, should corporations engage in genetic engineering of foods?)
	When the technology becomes available, should parents be allowed to use genetic engineering to select the traits of their children? Why or why not? Not at all or only for some cases, such as when a child has a birth defect?
	Should the Electoral College be eliminated in favor of only direct, popular election?
	Should tax dollars fund school vouchers?
	Should Microsoft be treated like a monopoly and thus broken into smaller companies?
	How can parents or the government prevent teenage gun violence?
	How rampant is sexism? How can it be combated?
	Is underage alcohol and/or substance abuse a major problem in America? How do you know? How should we deal with this issue?
	Should freedom of the press be limited or unlimited? Why or why not?
	Is TV news still committed to hard news or is it more about entertainment? Explain. Why do you feel this way? How/why should they change their methods?
	What is political correctness in language? Should it be encouraged? Why or why not?
	How can the government deal with the rising price of gas/oil? Why is your solution useful/ valuable?
	Should college freshmen be required to take an introductory writing course? Why or why not?
	Should pesticides be banned in favor of more humane methods of dealing with vermin? Why?
	Should hunting be completely banned, limited or left as it is now. Why? Explain.
	Should predators be re-introduced to America's wilderness? Why?
	What should be done to improve the Valley? How can this be accomplished? Why are your ideas valuable?
	What can be done to keep young people in the Valley after they graduate?
	School prayer-yes or no? Why?
	Should school sex ed. programs focus only on abstinence or should they also include birth control?
	Should Social Security be privatized, letting people invest in the stock market for their retirement?
	Should the government and corporations encourage/explore alternate sources of energy?
	How polluted is the earth? How can we deal with the problem in terms of prevention and repair?
	How do you feel about offensive lyrics or violent media? Should they be eliminated? Limited? Left alone? Who should determine what's appropriate? Explain.
	National health care-yes or no? Why?
	Do HMOs need to be improved? How so?
	Should marijuana be legalized and/or the drinking age eliminated? Why? If these changes occur, how can young people be protected from addiction? Explain.
	Does the welfare system need to be reformed? Why? What changes do you suggest?
	Should Napster continue or be permanently shut down?
	How should athletes be punished for using performance-enhancing drugs? Why?
	Should scientists conduct stem cell research? Why?
	How should the U.S. respond to the situation in the Middle East? Why?
	What kind of steps should the government take to protect the privacy of your genetic knowledge? Why?
	Should the U.S. invest in a national missile defense system? Why? What's your proposal?
	Should juveniles be prosecuted as adults for serious crimes? Why?
	What should the U.S. do to protect itself from domestic and international terrorism? Why?

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