How is it important to study liberal arts education than vocational education

Components of the Argumentative (Research) Essay Project

Micro-Assignment #1 – Proposal: 10%
Micro-Assignment #2 – Annotated Bibliography: 15% Micro-Assignment #3 – Argumentative Essay: 20% Micro-Assignment #4 – Presentation: 15%

Task: With respect to persuasive writing, Karin Russell states that “[t]o compel others to see your point of view about an opinion or belief requires you to be convincing”. Not only must you be convincing in your persuasive writing, you must know your purpose for writing. To this end Russell notes that “[w]hen you write for the purpose of persuading your audience, you may present a position, defend a belief, attack a point of view, or encourage someone to take action” (221). By and large in their persuasive writing authors attempt to accomplish one or more of the purposes Russell puts forth. While an author does attempt to persuade, her/his writing does not necessarily have to be definitive. Remember, you are adding to the conversation. Rather what is important is that the writer’s logic and reasoning are sound.

Also, you must incorporate counter-argumentation. According to Betty Mattix Dietsch in her book Reasoning and Writing Well, stating opposing perspectives before our own “acknowledges the main points of the opposition and shows that you have considered the evidence” (254). The reasons you give will counter the opposition’s claims, and at the same time, reinforce your own, thus strengthening your essay. Create an essay that thoroughly discusses your unique perspective, and use as many supportive features as possible to validate your particular thesis. In fashioning an effective persuasive essay, be certain to consider the following questions:

(1) Is my thesis argumentative and explicitly clear?

(2) Do I present counter-argumentation and its supporting details?

(3) Domyessay’smainpointssupportmythesis?

(4) Have I arranged my main points in a logical order?

(5) Doesmyintroductionpreviewmyessay’smainpoints?

(6) Doesmyconclusionrecapmyessay’smainpoints?

You will need to find sources supporting your position and the opposing side. At least one of your sources must be a personal interview.

Evaluation: The paper is to be typed in MLA format and must be 8-10 pages in length. Your essay should follow standard guidelines with a respectable twelve-point font and no more than one inch margins on all sides. Your writing must be double spaced. Your essay should contain a cover page and works cited page, neither of which count toward the minimum page requirement. A rubric will be given that will designate what will be evaluated and the value of each area. The paper is worth 100 points.