Prompt: Compose a 3-5 page argument in which you clearly show your stance on your topic and attempt to persuade your audience to consider your point of view or adopt a certain action. You must use 2-3 supporting reasons to back up your claim. Each reason used should be backed by 2 pieces of evidence. Also, you must have a well-placed rebuttal paragraph that consists of 2 concessions and 2 refutations. While I prefer that you use one of the topics from the argument topics activity, you are allowed to write about something else if you wish.

Introduction : 1 Paragraph

• Set up the situation – Be sure to frame your topic as a problem and define any key terms, players, or events
• Thesis= make an arguable claim that you will support in the rest of the paper. This claim should be assertive, and you can look at any of the articles we’ve read in class to see an assertive claim in action.

Body: 3-4 paragraphs

• 2-3 supporting reasons [should be the topic sentence of each body paragraph]
• Two pieces of evidence [This is where you utilize the appeals. You must explain how your evidence backs up your supporting reason and thus your claim]
• 1 rebuttal paragraph [A well-written rebuttal builds your credibility by showing that you know other positions on your topic and by showing that you can address the opposition in an objective manner. Follow the structure and examples given to you in previous lectures]
• Concluding sentences [All body paragraphs, even the rebuttal, must end with a sentence that wraps up the paragraph as a whole]

Conclusion: 1 paragraph

• Re-state the claim
• Summarize your reasons w/ evidence
• End with a statement of the benefits of accepting your argument or the consequences of ignoring your argument.

Other Notes:

• Using several different types of evidence makes for a stronger argument
• Keep your rebuttal in order – C1 & C2 followed by R1 & R2
• Use appropriate signal phrases and transitions in your rebuttal
• Use the rhetorical appeals as is appropriate for your argument
• You may use up to two outside sources [Be careful in your selection]
• MLA format
• Must have a Works Cited page if you use sources.