ENG 098/102 Argumentation Essay
Skills: Synthesis, paraphrase, summary, outlining, composition, in-text citation, quotation, research, grammar, punctuation
Style: The Modern Language Association (MLA) Style
Length: Six-paragraph essay of 500-750 words
1. Introduction
2. First supporting reason
3. Second supporting reason
4. Third supporting reason
Format:
1. Typed on white, A-4 paper
2. Cover page (title, name and ID number, course and section, date)
3. Double spaced
5. Counterargument
6. Conclusion
4. 2.5 cm margins
5. 12 point Times New Roman or Arial font
Practice Topics
1. Illiteracy: Is It a Problem?
2. Should There Be Privacy Rights for Celebrities?
3. Should Smoking Be Banned in Public Places?
4. Should Companies Go Overseas for Workers?
Assigned Topics
Directions: Have each student choose one of the topics listed below. Each topic may be selected by only one student.
1. The Case for Organ Donation OR The Case
against Organ Donation
2. The Need for Recycling
3. Books: Are They a Thing of the Past?
4. Ghosts: Are They Real?
5. Divorce: Does It Destroy Children?
6. Fur Is Not a Fashion Statement OR Fur Is Just
a Fashion Statement
7. Dieting Leads to Eating Disorders OR Dieting
Does Not Lead to Eating Disorders
8. Genetic Engineering Should Be Banned OR
Genetic Engineering Should Not Be Banned
9. The Case for Animal Rights OR The Case
against Animal Rights
10. Donor Insemination: Selling Babies
11. The Case for Euthanasia OR The Case against
Euthanasia
12. Genetic Testing Should Be Mandatory for
Couples Wanting to Marry OR Genetic
Testing Should Not Be Mandatory for Couples
Wanting to Marry
13. The Case for Eating Less Meat
14. School Uniforms Should Be Mandatory OR
School Uniforms Should Not Be Mandatory
15. The Case for Segregated Classes OR The Case
against Segregated Classes
16. Drunk Drivers Should Have Their Cars
Confiscated
17. The Internet Should Be Censored OR The
Internet Should Not Be Censored
18. Being a Blood Donor Should Be Required OR
Being a Blood Donor Should Not Be Required
19. The Case for UFOs OR The Case against
UFOs
20. Cults Kill
21. Should Prisoners Receive Amnesty?
22. The Case for Genetically Modified Foods OR
The Case against Genetically Modified Foods
23. Chat Rooms: Are They Safe?
24. Brand Names: Are They Worth the Cost?
25. The Case for Affirmative Action Laws OR
The Case against Affirmative Action Laws
26. The Case for Capital Punishment OR The
Case against Capital Punishment
27. Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?
28. Mothers Should Stay at Home
29. Is Stomach Stapling the Way to Lose Weight?
30. Wrestling and Football: Should Girls Be
Allowed to Play?