October 2nd, 2020 
Researched Argument EssayDescription and GuidelinesOverview and ObjectivesFor this essay, you will write a researched argument that takes a position on a controversial topic that you or the instructor has chosen. An argument, in an academic sense, means taking a stand on an issue and offering reasons and evidence in support of your viewpoint (in a context of acknowledging and addressing the value of opposing views.)Writing an effective argumentative essay will involved everything you have learned in the first half of this class: invention, planning, research, drafting, editing, revision, and proofreading.AssignmentThis essay should be 4-5 text pages in length (about 1200 words not including heading/name or works cited page) and a Works Cited page; it should take a position on an arguable issue. Arguable in terms of this assignment means the issue can be supported factually and rationally with research and analysis.Your introduction should get the readers attention by identifying the issue that the essay will address and providing any essential background information. Your introduction should include your claim/thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be clear, specific and focused. In your research, you will need to find articles (both scholarly and mainstream press) that support or argue for or against your viewpoint and build a framework in your essay that not only supports your view but also examines the counter arguments.You will need to back up each claim you make within the argument. Your aim is to persuade your audience, thus you must use credible sources to back up everything you say. You will use summary, direct quotes, and paraphrases. You will cite all your sources correctly in the text as well as prepare a Works Cited page using MLA formatting. ResearchYou should approach the research and writing process with a clear research question and/or problem-solving goal. You should use no fewer than four (4) sources in your essay (the essay you choose below can be used as one of your sources) and list them on your works cited page. Your sources should be credible and should be scholarly ones from a library data base or from respected news sources. You may not use sources like Wikipedia. You also may consider using one relevant primary source (e.g. interview).
TopicsAfter reading and discussing various articles and essays since the beginning of the semester, you will select one of the articles below and use this article as the framework for this research paper. As you read the articles/essays, consider anything that resonates with you or that seems contradictory, surprising, or fascinating. You will argue some point that is made in one of the articles. You should use this essay/article as one of your sources. The titles of the essays/articles are listed below and are posted on Canvas in files.
Reality TV: A Dearth of Talent and the Death of Morality Hitting Children Not the Right Way to Discipline The End of Courtship by Alex Williams The Flight from Conversation by Sherry Turkle Working at McDonalds by Amitai Etzioni
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