Developing Powerful Arguments

Understanding the Social/Political Issue

Prompt: Write a well-researched and argumentative paper designed to convince someone to side with your perspective on a social/political issue of your choosing. You should identify a specific stakeholder (individual/group affected by/affecting the social/political issue) and craft your writing around their perspective.

Description: Writing an argument requires careful analysis of the issue at hand as well as close attention to who you’re writing to. There are several important steps to take before one can responsibly make an argument. First, you must demonstrate your understanding of the social/political issue at hand. What’s the context? Who’s involved? What’s at stake? Second, you must identify a specific stakeholder involved in the issue. What is his/her/their role? What is his/her/their perspective on the issue? Finally, with these elements thoroughly researched, you can begin to consider what rhetorical strategies will be most effective in addressing your audience. Crafting an effective argument requires you to think logically, emotionally, and ethically. You must determine what you are going to convince your stakeholder of and how you can most effectively convince them in your writing.

Requirements: This paper should be written as if you are writing directly to the stakeholder. While utilizing MLA formatting and the conventions of academic writing, you are NOT writing your paper to convince me or your classmates. You will be graded based on your ability to effectively address an audience through meaningful and impactful rhetorical choices, thorough research, and clearly developed arguments

Your paper should be between 1500-1800 words. You are required to incorporate at least five (5) sources into your paper. These can be from popular sources (internet-based research, newspapers, magazines, etc.), the library database, and/or primary research. I also expect you to thoroughly research your stakeholder’s perspectives and ideas, meaning these should be directly addressed in your paper.

Your paper should follow standard MLA formatting rules: double space, TNR 12 point font, header in the upper left, page numbers in the upper right, no extra space between paragraphs of the same style, and widow/orphan control unchecked. MLA formatting also includes properly formatted in-text citations (EW pg. 466) and a Works Cited Page (EW pg. 471) that includes every source referenced in your paper. Failure to utilize proper MLA formatting for citations or a Works Cited Page will result in a significant point deduction.

Research Presentation: In addition to completing a paper, you will be tasked with presenting your research in a formal speech given to your classmates. Your goal is to articulate your research goals, summarize your main points and arguments, and discuss the conclusions you reached through your critical analyses. Note cards are permitted, but you should not rely on them. No visual aids (including PowerPoints) are allowed.

Your presentation should be between three (3) and five (5) minutes, no more and no less. Due to time constraints, you will be cut off at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, even if you are not finished.

• Clearly and concisely summarize ideas from writing to speech in a well-organized fashion.
• Maintain eye contact and a level speaking voice appropriate for the setting/audience.
• Verbally cite any and all sources used in presentation.