Suicide should be legal

Final (Big) Research paper

You have been researching a specific topic since early in the semester. For your opposite argument paper, you argued for a stance that goes against your actual stance on the topic. For your main research paper, you will finally get the chance to argue what you actually believe.

This paper needs to between 8 and 11 pages in length and cite at least four reliable sources. The essay must follow all MLA rules for citation and formatting and must include a works cited page (that does not count as one of your 8+ pages).

As you know, effective arguments take opposing viewpoints into consideration whenever possible. I expect you to write an effective argument, so bringing the other side into your paper is mandatory. Since in your previous essay you wrote from the point of view of the opposition, you should be an expert on the opposition. You might need to concede to some of its strengths; however, you will also be able to point out all of its weaknesses.

Like with your previous essay, there are a number of ways to organize this paper. You might choose to use one of the formats below. Study these formats carefully to decide the best format for your paper. Please be aware that each “Body” below represents a section of a paper and not necessarily a single paragraph. One “Body” section could be many paragraphs.

The organizational ideas below have a core problem as a topic. The same organizational methods will work if your research project focuses on a core judgement question.

Block Method (This is an effective formatting method for some subjects; however, I have not read many strong student essays that use this method. Unless you have good reasons to use the block method, I would suggest using the alternating method.)

Introduction—catch the reader’s attention before supplying a clear thesis statement. Your introduction will probably be one or two paragraphs. Your this might look similar to the thesis of your opposite argument essay (with the opposite argument and your argument trading places). It might be formatted like this: Although many experts believe that _______________ is the best way to solve _______________________, the problem will more likely be solved if ______________________________ because ____________________, ______________________, and _____________________________.

Body–prove that the problem exists and explain its significance; this part of your paper might be similar to the first part of the body of your opposite argument paper.

Body–demonstrate your knowledge of the other side of the argument by presenting its three or more major points. You wrote about the other side in your opposite argument paper.

Body–explain your solution

Body–1 reason why your solution is better

Body–another reason why your solution is better

Body–a third reason why your solution is better

Conclusion—revisit the thesis statement, summarize the body, revisit the hook from your intro

Alternating Method (As I mentioned above, the strongest student essays typically use some form of alternating method.)

Introduction—catch the reader’s attention before supplying a clear thesis statement. Your introduction will probably be one or two paragraphs. Your this might look similar to the thesis of your opposite argument essay (with the opposite argument and your argument trading places). It might be formatted like this: Although many experts believe that _______________ is the best way to solve _______________________, the problem will more likely be solved if ______________________________ because ____________________, ______________________, and _____________________________.

Body–prove that the problem exists and explain its significance; this part of your paper might be similar to the first part of the body of your opposite argument paper.

Body–briefly explain the other side’s solution

Body–briefly explain your solution

Body–present the first point of the opposite argument and then counter it

Body–present the second point of the opposite argument and then counter it

Body–present the third point of the opposite argument and then counter it

Body–present any additional points that you can make in favor of your solution; if the opposition has any arguments against these points, you need to acknowledge and counter these points.

Conclusion—revisit the thesis statement, summarize the body, revisit the hook from your intro

In the alternating method, a point from the opposing side might be a full paragraph. In this case, you would spend one or two paragraphs countering it. If it is a smaller point, you might present the opposite side in half of a paragraph and counter it in the same paragraph. Or, the opposite side might be presented in a single topic sentence; in this case, the rest of the paragraph would be spent countering it.

Three additional methods are explained at http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/argumentative.htm.

Keep in mind that you can, and might have to, alter the above methods to fit your particular topic. Whatever method you choose, you will need to make sure that you have tight transitions between your paragraphs.