Persuasive Research Project 2013
Tenth Grade English 10 – Honors
Assignment: Please visit the website: http://www.procon.org/. Then choose one of the listed
topics on this page to begin to research, form an opinion, and write a persuasive essay about.
You will use this site as a starting point to collect research. You must have a total of five
legitimate sources (procon.org counts as one of these sources).
Your goal is to choose one side of the debated issue and develop three supporting arguments
to persuasively convince the reader to agree with your point of view. Your essay should be no
more than and no fewer than five paragraphs. Your introduction should introduce and
summarize the controversy, as well as state a clear thesis in the last sentence. Each body
paragraph should contain a clear and distinct argument, counter argument, and rebuttal.
Body paragraphs should also contain at least two citations. Your conclusion should emphasize
your opinion, offer suggestions, include examples or anecdotes, and restate your thesis. Even
though you are arguing for your opinion, you are not allowed to use first or second person.
You will also compose a Works Cited Page, on which you must list five different sources – all of
your sources must be used at least once in your essay.
Essay Format:
I. Intro with opinion
A. Attention grabbing sentence
B. Background of the issue
C. Thesis statement
II. First point (must give research to support each point)
A. First argument
B. Opposing counter argument
C. Rebuttal
III. Second point (must give research to support each point)
A. Second argument
B. Opposing counter argument
C. Rebuttal
IV. Third point (must give research to support each point)
A. Second argument
B. Opposing counter argument
C. Rebuttal
V. Conclusion with lasting impact
A. Review main points
B. Include a story, anecdote, or deeper connection to show lasting impact
C. Creatively restate thesis
PROS AND CONS OF 44 CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
EDUCATION
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
1.
Standardized Tests
19. Social Networking
2.
Tablets vs. Textbooks
20. Video Games and
Violence
3.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
33. Alternative Energy vs.
Fossil Fuels
34. Cell Phones
35. Climate Change
Teacher Tenure
MONEY & BUSINESS
36. Voting Machines
21. Big Three Auto Bailout
ELECTIONS & PRESIDENTS
4.
2008 Presidential Election
5.
2012 Presidential Election
6.
Bill Clinton
7.
Ronald Reagan
HEALTH & MEDICINE
8.
Abortion
9.
D.A.R.E.
10. Euthanasia
11. Obamacare / Health Care
Laws
12. Medical Marijuana
13. Milk
14. Obesity
15. Prescription Drug Ads to
Consumers
16. Right to Health Care
17. Vaccines for Kids
18. Vegetarianism
22. Insider Trading by
Congress
POLITICS
SEX & GENDER
37. Born Gay? Origins of
Sexual Orientation
38. Gay Marriage
23. ACLU
24. Concealed Handguns
39. Prostitution
25. Death Penalty
26. Drinking Age
27. Felon Voting
28. Illegal Immigration
29. Social Security
Privatization
SPORTS
40. College Football
Playoffs
41. Drug Use in Sports
42. Golf - Is It a Sport?
30. WTC Muslim Center
WORLD / INTERNATIONAL
RELIGION
31. Churches and Taxes
32. Under God in the Pledge
43. Israeli-Palestinian
Conflict
44. US-Iraq War