Argument Research Paper Guidelines & Worksheet
This research paper will be loosely based on Lewis Black’s “The Root of All Evil” pitting two forces against each other, with the main arguments focused on positive and beneficial contributions (The good) to the world, and the sub-arguments focused on the negative and self-serving qualities (The bad). Initially, your argument should be objective, and then later opinionated and passionate. Use full MLA style, including coversheet, works cited page, parenthetical references, and with at least 2000 words (minimum) in the body, all in 3rd person only.
Research
A thorough, fair, and definitive research of both assigned topics is essential. Without this part of the argument paper fully completed none of the other items will matter. More on this section in the works cited and sources section.
Objective
Your objective is to highlight historical and cultural greatness in two opposite but similar or related topics and then choose one as “your” best of the two. You may use people, leaders, technology, culture, economy, enlightenment, inventions, ideas, altruism, laws or anything else in exploring positive and/or lasting contributions as well as negatives.
Title
The title should address the topic and be original and eye-catching without giving away your preference. Often it comes from a phrase or idea inside the paper.
Introduction
Start with an overview of historical and cultural similarities and/or ties between the two topics and then proceed to real or perceived conflicts or competition between the two. Do not form a thesis here! The idea is to appear objective.
Side One Arguments
Begin a positive and fair presentation of the most adamant and worthwhile contributions and qualities of one side as if you were not going to present the other one. Limit the arguments to the most enlightening and notable. This should be between five and ten points (paragraphs) depending on the topic. Try to eliminate minor or trivial things. Each argument should be self-supporting and viable (otherwise real) without emotion from the writer (you). The beginning side and/or topic order is left to the writer’s preference. Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments:
Side Two Arguments
Now take the other topic and present positive, fair, and objective arguments for that side as if you did not plan to present the other side. Neither of these two sides should show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition, but should be clinical and scholarly. The number and depth of both sides should be equal and appear fair. Be positive. Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments:
Side One Negative Arguments
Now take the first topic and present negative (attack) arguments as if you did not plan to present the other side. Again, do not show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition – be clinical. The number and depth of both sides should be equal and appear fair (five or less). Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments:
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Side Two Negative Arguments
Now take the second topic and present negative (attack) arguments as if you did not plan to present the other side. Again, do not show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition – be clinical. The number and depth of both sides should be equal and appear fair (five or less). Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments:
(1)
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The Opinion
This is where the writer’s opinion (and position) is explored and delineated after choosing one topic as the best of the two. The intention is to persuade the reader to agree with you using the previous arguments’ merits (appeals to emotions may be used here as well). THE THESIS SHOULD BE UP FRONT IN THIS SECTION! Begin by strengthening arguments already presented for this side and why they outweigh those for the other side. This is where you will point out why the negatives of the opposing side outweigh your choice’s negatives. It is not possible to strengthen or refute all opposing points and thus should not be attempted. If there is a glaring defect in your chosen topic defend it here as well. Examples, anecdotes, etc. may be inserted here but do not to add new facts or data.
Conclusion
This is where you predict the future of both topics, rather bleak or bright, on the world order and stage. Any idea or prediction may be forwarded, rather realistic or bizarre, as long as the arguments support the stance. Otherwise, what is the point of writing this essay?
Works Cited and Other Sources
All works cited (references) must conform to MLA style entries. There should be at least ten total sources for full credit, with the sources split equally between the two sides (although some sources may benefit both sides) and published within the past five years. Sources must come from a variety of source types with no more than two coming from any one type. Each paper must include at least one source from each of the following: Book, magazine, newspaper, electronic source, and multi-media (television, film, CD-Rom, etc.). Other sources may include a pamphlet, review, editorial, interview, survey, recording, cartoon, lecture, or website (No Wikipedia, religious texts, databanks, personal interviews or surveys, or encyclopedias). At least two statistics must be used with ten in-text citations in the body of the paper and no more than two from any one source.
