Throughout the unit, you will focus on how to research via a standard search engine, how to use the MTC databases to find peer reviewed resources, how to determine source reliability and author credibility, how to collect and organize research, how to compile resources on a topic, and how to summarize and paraphrase on the collegiate level.
You will use this research to construct and argument of your own, that supports one side of the controversial issue you explored in Unit 3. This unit will culminate in a argumentative essay, supported by strong research (NOT a research report).
Prompt:
Write an argumentative research essay that addresses a controversy related to the topic you worked with from Unit 3.
What are the key points of the issue? Why is the issue important? Who is most affected by the issue? What are some of the consequences or possible solutions?
You must select one side of the argument and use persuasive writing techniques (rhetorical devices) to make your point.
Consider the rhetoric and research needed to persuade your audience to agree with you.
Avoid logical fallacies that would weaken your argument and be sure to incorporate several sources that supplement your thoughts.
Your essay should explore one of the above topics and a related controversy (you may use those above or explore another you have found), specifically supporting one side of the issue.
For example, if you chose a topic such as gun control, you should not just list out a great deal of information and explanation.
Instead, you would need to take a stance either for gun control or against it and make a strong argument with several reasons that support your ideas.
These ideas must then be supported by credible sources. Avoid the temptation to argue whether or not a past event should have taken place since we cannot change history.
An argumentative essay should, like the one you wrote for MA 2, should allow the reader to make a decision, take an action, or consider differing perspectives from their own.