Microsoft Word - ENG111 Social Issue Argument Paper Guidelines.docx
Social Issue Argument Paper Guidelines
We argue all the time, don't we? We have our own views and opinions on most any topic. We
debate, discuss, and try to get our point across. We listen to other views to decide if we agree
with them, and we usually want proof that those views are valid. Written argument has some of
the same goals. Here are the guidelines for the argument you will write in English 111:
1. Your task is to write a 1,500-2,000 word argumentative paper that focuses on a debatable
social issue.
* Include the following elements within the paper:
a. An introduction paragraph that engages the reader (hook), provides context
(background information), and presents an debatable thesis with a solid claim and
sound arguments. (ACT Attention Gra
er, Context, and Thesis)
. Background in the introduction paragraph that provides information to the
eaders in order to understand the issue. Background can include definition of key
terms, explanation of key people associated with the issue, or perhaps necessary
historical background. Those are just examples.
c. Body paragraphs dedicated to the explanation of each argument that was
presented in the thesis along with a discussion of the solution for the issue
(dedicate 1-2 paragraphs to the solution and researched support for that solution).
A
angement of your arguments must follow the order established in thesis, and
the order must be a
anged with intent – stronger arguments need to outshine
weaker ones. Depending on the length and degree of the argument, it is possible
that one argument could require two body paragraphs. Body paragraphs will
always begin with solid topic sentences and then move onto provide evidence
from sources in the form of direct quotes, summary, or paraphrase. Inclusion of
source material always requires an in-text citation as credit has to be given to the
person responsible for the original idea. Analysis always follows the evidence as
it is your task to explain how the evidence supports the point being made. The
closing sentence in the body paragraph summarizes the discussion. Follow the
MEAL plan to build solid body paragraphs. Please note you are capped at two
lines of quoted material per page. Two lines, not two sentences.
d. 1-2 body paragraphs that present each counterargument to your paper’s primary
argument (1-2 counterarguments should be sufficient).
e. A conclusion paragraph that
iefly restates (not repeats) the thesis and reviews
the paper’s key points and, more importantly, offers either a call to action on the
part of the reader or a prediction of what could happen if the issue is not
addressed (or both).
2. You must include a separate References page formatted to APA standards. A minimum of
five sources are required. All sources must come from the FTCC online li
ary or any other
li
ary you have access to (look for journal articles) - no exceptions. Papers that do not
include both in-text citations and a Works Cited page will earn a zero – no exceptions.
3. The paper must be written in 3rd person. The paper is not about you or the reader, so
emove yourself and the reader from the text.
4. Review the SafeAssign report before you walk away from your submission (submit the file,
wait a few minutes, and then review the report once it’s ready). Plagiarized papers will earn a
zero. You can find the FTCC plagiarism policy under the “FTCC Policies” link in
Blackboard.
Keep in mind not all topics are appropriate for this paper. Avoid saturated topics in the “Off
Limits Topic List” below:
gun control
death penalty
abortion
legalization of marijuana
euthanasia
aising minimum wage
lowering
aising legal drinking age
lowering
aising legal voting age
lowering
aising legal age to join the military
immigration/illegal immigrants
global warming
gay ma
iage/gay rights/gay adoption
universal healthcare
free college/university tuition
paying college athletes
homeschooling
school uniforms
technology in classrooms
screen-time for children
animal testing
ecycling
violent video games/video games immunizations/vaccines