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PSYC4200 Argumentative Essay
Purpose: To develop skills in describing, critically evaluating evidence and presenting an
argument.
Worth: 30%; Length: 1500 words
Word limits include headings, sub-headings, in-text citations, quotes and referencing, but does
not include the list of references, appendices and footnotes. The word limit will allow a tolerance
of 10% and any work after the maximum word limit will not be included within the allocation of
marks. In other words, the marker will STOP reading at 1650 words.
Due: Wednesday 18th May, 11:59 pm (Week 11)
Learning outcomes: 1 and 2
Instructions:
STEP 1: Please choose from one of the topics below
• An argument for or against standardised testing for entry into university courses
• An argument for or against standardised testing of adults for job applications (e.g.,
intelligence)
• An argument for or against regular developmental screening of all infants
• An argument for or against the use of NAPLAN in schools
• An argument for or against tests in situations where the respondents have a vested
interest (e.g., organisational, forensic)
STEP 2: Please choose a position in relation to that argument
STEP 3: Search the literature for evidence to support your argument and/or evidence that
weakens the opposing position of the argument
STEP 4: Please use the following structure in your essay with the following three main parts:
• Claim/thesis/argument/proposal
o Starting by presenting an argument
• Support
o Evidence to back up the argument
• Wa
ant
o Summarising explanation of how the evidence supports the argument
To further elaborate on this structure:
• Cohesive na
ative linking introduction, body and conclusion
• First paragraph:
o Brief background + why it’s important
o Clear, concise, well-defined thesis statement/argument
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• Unlike a mystery novel where you find out at the end, make it easy for the markers to
identify your argument.
e.g.,: (adapted from http:
www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/introducing-work/)
In this essay, it is argued that …
This essay attempts to show that …
The central thesis of this essay is that …
In the pages that follow, it will be argued that …
In this essay, the view that will be defended is that….
• Evidence: well-researched and accurate
o Draw your own conclusions based on findings in the literature and provide a
critical evaluation of the literature
o Tips on writing critically, http:
www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk
eing-critical/
o Can present caveats to your argument if needed
o If you have your own opinions you would like to put forth, please present them as
opinions rather than as evidence.
▪ Importantly, this isn’t an opinion piece per se, but an argumentative piece
that is backed up by research evidence.
▪ Please make it clear what is your view and what is another author’s view.
• Conclusion: revisit thesis statement/argument in light of evidence; draw it all together to
demonstrate how the evidence supports your argument
o http:
www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/writing-conclusions/
SEE MARKING RUBRIC FOR MORE DETAILS
Extra resources
• This document has tips on presenting an argument (thesis) in writing
https:
www.newcastle.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/333763/LD-7-Steps-to-a-Killer-
Essay-2018-LH.pdf
• https:
www.newcastle.edu.au/cu
ent-students/support/academic/workshops-consultations-
advisors/learning-resources/writing-skills
• Rottenberg, A.T XXXXXXXXXXThe structure of argument, 7th Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins
Books
• Baker, J. Brizee, A. & Angeli, E. (2013, October 3). Argumentative Essays. Retrieved from
https:
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl
esource/685/05/
• Note, courtesy of Assoc. Prof Mark Rubin, the following resources are really useful for writing
https:
it.ly/2s3PkV0
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