Task:
For this assignment, your task is to argue a position on one of the questions listed below. The focus of the assignment is creating a strong argumentative essay, including a clear thesis, body paragraphs that support the thesis, addressing a counterargument, and conclusion that extends the argument by stressing the importance of understanding the position or making a prediction about the future.
150 points/ 15% of your final grade
Assignment Specifics:
Essay Type
Argumentative essay based upon one of the 10 posted questions
Length
750 words/ points will be deducted for essays less than 700 words
Point of View
1st or 3rd person. Do not use 2nd person. First vs. Third Person | Ashford Writing Center
Audience
Academic/ interested in the argument
Sources
No sources are required for the assignment, but if sources are used, they must be documented in-text and with a Works Cited page.
Recommended Structure
For this assignment, your task is to argue a position on one of the questions listed below. The focus of the assignment is creating a strong argumentative essay, including a clear thesis, body paragraphs that support the thesis, addressing a counterargument, and conclusion that extends the argument by stressing the importance of understanding the position or making a prediction about the future.
150 points/ 15% of your final grade
Assignment Specifics:
Essay Type
Argumentative essay based upon one of the 10 posted questions
Length
750 words/ points will be deducted for essays less than 700 words
Point of View
1st or 3rd person. Do not use 2nd person. First vs. Third Person | Ashford Writing Center
Audience
Academic/ interested in the argument
Sources
No sources are required for the assignment, but if sources are used, they must be documented in-text and with a Works Cited page.
Recommended Structure
- An introduction that ends in a strong thesis that takes a position
- Three body paragraphs in support of your position
- One body paragraph that addresses a counter perspective
- A conclusion that extends the conversation by making a prediction or suggesting action.
Formatting
MLA- 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
It must take a position regarding one of the 10 posted questions
- The essay should not use any sources. You will provide your thinking and examples from your thoughts and experiences as support
- The essay should include
- An introduction that ends in a strong thesis that takes a position
- Three body paragraphs in support of your position
- One body paragraph that addresses a counter perspective
- A conclusion that extends the conversation by making a prediction or suggesting action.
- No Works Cited page is needed because you are not using sources
- Length- 700 to 900 words.
Position Essay Topics
- Which is more important: freedom or security?
- Are online or virtual classes harder or easier than traditional in-person classes?
- Are SAT or ACT tests necessary to determine whether a student is ready for college?
- Should college athletes be paid?
- Should high school students be required to study a foreign language?
- Should the Washington Redskins have changed their name?
- Should voting be mandatory in the United States, as it is in some other countries?
- Is it ethical to conduct medical experiments on animals?
- Should the government require masks and shutdowns to attempt to stop COVID or are they interfering with people’s rights?
- Is it fair that students under the age of 18 are paid less for working the same job as individuals over the age of 18?
- For the essay, you will take a position and answer one of these questions. For example, if the question was
- Should college be free during the pandemic as long as students maintain a 2.5 GPA?
