Argument/Research/Voice Essay
ENG 001: Written Expression
Due: Monday, March 28 (or Friday, March 18 in my mailbox, if you prefer)
You know how in high school they always tell you not to insert yourself into your
own writing, unless you’re writing a personal essay? That if you make an argument, you
should never use the word “I,” never let the argument become personal, that the facts and
your logic should be enough to make your point clear? Well, in this essay we’re going to
forget about all of that and break down that iron wall between the argument and research
aspect of your writing and your voice.
We’re going to start out with some free-writing to help you choose a topic you
care about and that affects you personally. Then we’re going to take a position on that
topic and argue as to why that position is the right one. If you had a close high school
friend, for instance, whose status as a minor prevented her from crossing state lines to
obtain an abortion, you may choose to argue against legal restrictions on abortion for
teenage women. If you are on the crew team at UVM, you may choose to argue that crew
members should receive sports scholarships just as other student-athletes. A member of
ROTC could take a position on military recruitment on college and high school
campuses. There are plenty of possibilities. Just make sure that you choose a topic you
care about, so that the paper is fun to write.
You already know that research and logical argument are crucial to writing a
successful paper: a writer needs to know what she is talking about, so that she can have
confidence in her position and allow the reader that same confidence. But sometimes
finding the right information can be tricky, which is why we’ll spend two full class
periods in the library. On Monday, March 14 we will meet with Pat Mardeusz, a librarian
in Bailey-Howe, who will give us a presentation on how to use the Bailey-Howe
Library’s resources. On Wednesday, March 16 we will return to the library either to
workshop with partners or to gather more information. (On both days, please come to the
Bailey-Howe Library, not our regular classroom.) But don’t wait until then to begin your
research! We won’t find our only sources of information in the library; many can be
found right in our homes, dorms, classrooms, workplaces, etc. The internet, TV, the
radio, and talking to people with whom you interact everyday can give you a sense of just
what the discussion on your topic has been and what kind of intervention you’d like to
make.
However, in this paper, in addition to researching our topics and making logical
arguments, our voices will add some extra persuasion and let the reader know how we
really feel about the issue. There is no need to be polite, here. We are seeking to avoid
that collected and removed voice of a Delta flight attendant and show the reader some
personality. We can be angry, sarcastic, sad, up-beat, whatever we choose, and we will be
reading some pieces that incorporate a strong voice into their arguments.
As always, the writing process is of the utmost importance. As you make progress
you will find the need to revise: invent, explore, change your mind, change the form your
writing takes, etc. Remember to use every opportunity to get as much feedback as you
can from your classmates, your writing center tutor, and me. On the day you hand in your
essay, I would like to see two forms of feedback you’ve written to a partner and all drafts.
Remember that I am always available for help during office hours or by appointment.
Good luck!