Politically Charged Debates

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to conduct research using sources, write a 700-1500 word (2- 4 pages) argumentative paper, insert research into the argument using MLA format (acceptable fonts in this course are 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Aptos or Calibri), and create a Works Cited page.

Step 1: Choose ONE of the following options below to help you choose your argument essay topic:

Option 1: Find and identify a topic using the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database.
For this option, the topic you select is mostly up to you. However, please DO NOT select the following general topics without prior approval from your instructor: Death Penalty, Abortion, Marijuana Legalization, Mandatory Voting, Gun Control, Immigration, LGBTQIA+ Marriage, COVID-19, Vaccinations, or other highly politically charged debates.
To access the Opposing Viewpoints database:

1. Log in to your Techlink account.
2. Scroll down the page and click on the College Services link.
3. Click on the Library link.
4. Click on Online Resources in the menu at the top of the screen.
5. Scroll down to Argument-Based Databases.
6. Click Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context).
7. Enter your keywords in the search box and click Search OR find the Browse all Issues area and click the link.
8. Click on the title of an article that interests you.
   Option 2: Choose one of the argument prompts below:
   • Should the use of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) such as Claude or ChatGPT be banned from college classrooms?
   • Excluding the cost of education and wages, research three challenges for individuals already in the field (or those pursuing your career path) and argue which problem is most significant.
   • Do effective writing and communication skills impact performance in a specific career/career path?
   • Should controversial books be banned from school libraries?
   • Should celebrities/public figures be reprimanded for making offensive (re: racist, sexist) social media posts?
   • Is social media enhancing or diminishing society’s ability to communicate effectively?
   • Choose a court case in which you disagree with the verdict and provide arguments for your stance.
   Note: For each option, select a topic for which you are willing to change your position based on evidence and reasoning. For example, if you are a staunch Vegan/Vegetarian and do not believe that there are reasonable justifications for diets that include meat, then please pass on writing about such a subject. Please pick a topic that you believe you will be open to reading about and understanding all sides of the issue.

Step 2: Conduct research using the library databases to find reputable sources from each perspective concerning your topic (you will complete most of this portion in your annotated bibliography assignment). The argument MUST contain research.
• You are required to integrate information from 2-3 library resources.
• The paper should contain short direct quotes (no more than two lines).
• Quoted, paraphrased, or summarized information must be punctuated correctly and contain correct parenthetical citations.
• All quotes should have a signal phrase.
• A Works Cited page should be attached to the paper (NOTE: The Works Cited page does not count toward the length of any assignment).
Use any of the library’s electronic resources on the library’s Techlink page to find 2-3 relevant, reliable sources related to your points for Paper 2. Two popular resources are ProQuest and JSTOR. You may also use the information found in Opposing Viewpoints. While these resources are good, depending on your subject, you may have better luck using other resources in the library’s Online Resources section.

Step 3: Develop and structure your argument. Your paper must have the following components:

Introduction: State your topic directly and include any relevant background information to provide readers with an understanding of the issue. Provide a clear thesis statement that includes your topic and position. Including the supporting points in the thesis statement (why you chose your position) may also be helpful.

2-3 Supporting claims: Provide 2-3 strong reasons, with evidence, that show why your position is correct. Include one reason in each body paragraph.

1-2 Counterarguments: Present 1-2 arguments that go against your position with evidence to support them. After showing the opposing viewpoint, explain why it might be weak/not strong enough OR if the opposing argument has strong points, acknowledge that it is valid and explain why it should be considered.

Conclusion: Briefly restate the topic’s importance, summarize your supporting points and any from the opposition, and make a final takeaway statement concerning the significance of this argument (this may be a call to action for readers or a memorable statement concerning the overall topic).
** Your instructor may provide information on how to structure your paper. Please refer to your instructor’s guidance.