WR 121 – Winter 2004 -
Essay #2 – Argument / Research Paper
This assignment correlates with the Library assignments. Thus Library #2 and #3 which ask for research connect with the topic for
this paper. Start research log Lib #4 and the annotated bibliography Lib #5 long before the paper is due. (see dates below). You
will work on this paper throughout the whole term.
The goal is to practice academically oriented arguments and work with complex ideas by analyzing your rhetorical situation. You
will have to include opposition to your position and deal with it respectfully. Consider why you might write such an argument?
Whom do you wish to persuade and to do what? If you argue in favor of school uniforms, are you trying to convince fellow
students to accept uniforms? To convince a school board to institute uniforms? To convince parents that uniforms are a good
investment? The more clearly you can see your argument as having a real life purpose and a specific audience, the stronger will be
your case.
Selected Argument Topics:
Select a topic upon which many people disagree. You must take a side.
Arguments of policy say "We should….."
Arguments of value claim that one thing / idea is better than another.
Arguments of fact make claims about history, such as who really killed JFK, or what really causes violence in schools.
Retaining the "under God" phrase in the Pledge of Allegiance
Sex education in schools – elementary? Public?
Legalizing same sex marriage
Eliminating / encouraging Oregon's physician assisted suicide
Banning / encouraging genetically modified foods
Banning / funding stem cell research / cloning / embryonic / therapeutic
Banning smoking on campus
Sweat shop labor
Changing the drinking age
Fast food / obesity / advertisements / health / mad cow disease
Drug testing at school
Nuclear power
Election reform (Electoral college / campaign financing / mail in ballots)
Book banning
Motorcycle helmets
Video games and violence
Student fees for football stadium / engineering building
Bilingual education / English as official language / "No child left behind" policy
SAT scores for college entrance
Topics not allowed: abortion, gun control, legalizing marijuana, etc.
Research to find:
Facts and statistics to give background to your topic. Specific examples.
Credible quotes to support both sides of the argument
Minimum 6 sources required – as follows
1-2 books, 1-2 magazines, 1-2 journals, 1-2 newspaper articles, 1-2 websites
Some substitutions might be possible – for example, an interview might replace a newspaper article. Since it takes time to get books
on library loan, it's important to start early. Note that a newspaper or magazine or journal on an electronic database or website (such
as The New York Times' website) is still an article, not a website.
Length? Probably 4 –7 pages – as long as it takes to cover your idea. Proper MLA format (consult Hacker 69)
This assignment will include three drafts, all of which must be turned in as part of the portfolio. The first draft is for the studentteacher conference. The second draft is for the in-class peer review. The third draft is your final version. At some point, you must
visit the Writing Center in Waldo 125 for consultation, which could include brainstorming ideas, setting organization and flow,
working on transitions, etc. Attach their blue slip to the draft you showed the tutor there.
Textbook Help:
For examples of arguments, read: Churchill, King , Bishop, Oppenheimer, Minot, Postman, Samuelson in Presence.
In Hacker, read "Snowmobiles in Yellowstone." Sample student papers are on reserve at the library.
Due Dates of related material
250-word Paragraph describing your topic (typed)
1st Draft Research Log (Lib #4)
1st Draft of Annotated Bibliography
(Lib #5)
Introduction – 500 words
1st Draft for Conference
2nd Draft for Peer Review
Final Draft Research Log (Lib #4) & Ann Bib (Lib #5)
Final draft Argument & portfolio
Thurs
Thurs
Thurs
Tues
Tues
Tues
Tues
Fri
Jan 22
Jan 22
Jan 29
Feb 3
Feb 17
March 2
March 9
March 12 - 3 PM