English 1121
 Argumentative Research Paper Guidelines

The argumentative research paper allows you to demonstrate your skills at composing a complex paper that blends research with your own prose. This paper represents the culmination of work we've done all semester and will use many of these skills: description, analysis, synthesis, definition. At its core, however, the argumentative research paper is an argument, which requires you to make an audience believe that what you have to say has merit.

The topic for this paper assignment has only three criteria: 

To be sure you have a truly arguable topic chosen, I recommend using the word "should" in your thesis, since this word by definition advocates for or against a position. Only genuine controversies lend themselves to being truly arguable. Remember: simply stating a problem or making an assertion is not an argument; you must offer a solution. Simply asking a question is not an argument; you must offer an answer. Also, you must choose a topic on which you have not yet written: no previous paper or class assignment can be used or reworked to satisfy this assignment. (The entire process of finding a topic, reading and evaluating sources, and even citing and formatting information requires time and practice. But you're not alone in this and you don't need to reinvent the wheel to get the job done. Here's a link from the UNC Writing Center website that offers detailed information on each of the steps you will want to take to produce a successful argumentative research paper.)

An argument is a complicated construction, and you have several options for how you might approach any attempt to persuade. I'll go back to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, in his The Art of Rhetoric, for three approaches: ethos, pathos, and logos. Each matters and each should be deliberately considered when deciding how to address your audience.

For our assignment, I can also recommend two common argumentative strategies: classical and Rogerian. (Star Tribune business writer Stephen Wilbers covers these two strategies succinctly in an article he wrote several years ago.) These give you a framework for building the substance of your position on the issue. In addition, during the process of writing an argument, I will stress the use of logic (and mention terms such as induction and deduction). Here's a tip sheet on the art of persuasion as you prepare your argument. But when logic goes bad, you should learn to recognize it. Listed here are the most common examples of logical fallacies.

One of the essential skills to be learned with any research assignment is the ability to weave together your own thinking with that of expert testimony. To do so requires that you pull together from many resources a consistent theme or idea. This is synthesizing. Successful synthesizing does not allow the expert testimony to become the dominant voice in your argument. Your thesis, your opinion, your voice must still remain distinct and clear above the voices of your evidence. 

How this can be accomplished varies. My suggestion for those new to such a writing strategy is always to begin a draft by writing entirely from your own knowledge and experience. Without notes, without books, without a shred of outside support, compose as much text as you can, and frame your argument in your own words. When you are satisfied you have compiled your argument, then and only then supplement your assertions with the expert testimony. Then you will know where your argument needs the help of outside opinion to shore up weaker points, or where a choice quote can seal the deal.

Here's a reminder of the work that can be done to create substantive paragraphs.

Unlike other assignments where I may have been somewhat lenient with presentation formats, I will be absolutely firm about this assignment’s format. So, by the last date this assignment is due, submit a final draft containing the following:

1.  A title page with a title (not "Research Paper" or "Essay #4"), your name, the course title, my name, and the date.

2.  An outline page that contains:

      * a clearly argued thesis statement

      * an outline of the research paper

      * a clearly defined audience profile statement

3.  A body that: 

4.  A complete Works Cited page at the end of the body of your paper.

NOTE:  Use our timetable for completing the paper to keep on track. Consider using this checklist to verify that everything is ready for handing in.