Assignment : The Argumentative Essay
For this assignment, you will be writing an argumentative essay a piece of writing that requires you to take a position, what rhetoricians call a claim, on a debatable topic (that is, a topic with more than one side).
Specifically, you will present a policy claim where you argue for or against a change of some kind. This claim should be supported by reliable, credible evidence (i.e. scholarly sources) backed by research.
In addition to presenting your claim, you will also need to acknowledge the other side, which is called the counterargument. For this assignment, you may choose your own topic or select one from the list below.
Suggested Topics:
Physician-assisted suicide should/should not be legalized
The drinking age should/should not be lowered to 18
Colleges should/should not use proctoring for exams
Weedkiller should/should not be illegal
Self-driving cars should/should not be legal
College athletes should/should not be paid as employees
The U.S. should/should not switch to a single-payer healthcare system
Drug possession should/should not be decriminalized
The minimum wage should/should not be increased across the U.S.
Mini-Lesson on ETHOS – PATHOS – LOGOS
Plan to use these appeals heavily throughout your Argumentative essay.
Ethos
This is an ethical appeal. It relies on your reliability and credibility as the author.
Includes reliable sources
Is written from an unbiased perspective
Shows the writer’s expertise through the presentation of careful insight and research
Pathos
This is an emotional appeal. It relies on the construction of careful connection between the claims presented and the emotions of the readers.
Includes the writer’s values and beliefs
Uses stories or examples that convey emotion
Contains broader appeal and focus
Logos
This is an appeal to logic and reason. It relies on facts and figures that can convince the reader of the claims.
Relies on fact and opinion
Focuses on reasonable claims and organization of ideas
Only includes relevant material with a narrow focus
