Select another controversial issue and take a position on it. You need to research arguments that support your position and those that contradict it. Unlike your persuasive essay, though, your goal with the argument essay is to make consistent appeals to reason or logic, rather than appeals to pathos or emotions.
In a minimum 750-word essay, you must then set out to present your position to your readers, developing an argument that will help your readers to understand your position better.
If you wish, you can specifically apply the technique of a Rogerian argument with this assignment.
You can review the general essay grading criterial I have included at the end of this document for information on how you will be graded, but you should concentrate on having the following elements in your essay:
A focused presentation of the issue. You need to present the issue so the reader understands it. Issues need more or less explanation and examples, depending on what the audience already knows.
A clear position. You need a strong thesis that is positioned effectively, usually at the beginning or end of the essay, and repeated for emphasis and clarity as needed.
Plausible reasons and convincing support. You must provide reasons for supporting the position. You must also go beyond simply asserting reasons, by including examples, statistics, expert testimony, and/or anecdotes to support the reasons.
Anticipating opposing position and objections. An effective argument for a position includes recognizing and refuting opposing arguments, as well as anticipating and answering a reader’s questions.
Careful use of sources. Sources must be used and documented in an appropriate standard format. MLA mistakes with citations means you will have to revise and resubmit.