Persuasive Research Essay about the impact of pursuing postsecondary education
Persuasive Research Essay about the impact of pursuing postsecondary education
THE TOPIC I CHOSE WAS: There are setbacks to pursuing a college degree
I ATTACHED THE PREWRITING ASSIGNMENT THAT HAS MY 3 KEY POINTS THAT YOU WILL USE &THE SCHOLARLY SOURCES YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO USE. PLEASE USE AT LEAST TWO OF THOSE SOURCES AND ANY OTHER SOURCES YOU FIND THAT WILL BE USEFUL.
In developing your argument, you will take into account what you have learned about this issue from the assigned readings and your scholarly research findings. In addition to making your argument, your persuasive research essay must also address and refute a naysayer (i.e. opposing argument). Additionally, you are required to cite evidence from at least two assigned articles from Course Content > Assigned Readings and at least two credible, reliable scholarly/professional sources from the RCBC Library and/or Course Content > Suggested Articles.
Instructions
Your persuasive research essay must include a brief introduction paragraph, five to seven body paragraphs, and a brief concluding paragraph.
In your introduction, identify and discuss the topic you’ve chosen that is related to the benefits or disadvantages of college. This discussion in your introduction must include the viewpoints about the topic; that is, identify your side of the argument and the opposing side of the argument. Conclude your introduction paragraph with your thesis statement, which will state your main idea. Your thesis statement should answer the following question: what is your argument about the topic you’ve chosen about the benefits or disadvantages of college?
In five to seven body paragraphs, you will present and defend your argument, present and explain your opposition (i.e. counterargument/“naysayer”), and provide a rebuttal to disprove the opposition’s viewpoints. Remember: Your persuasive research essay must reference at least two assigned articles from Course Content > Assigned Readings and at least two reliable scholarly/professional sources from the RCBC Library and/or Course Content > Suggested Articles related to your topic. Each body paragraph must cite evidence from at least one source that supports that body paragraph’s main point. Whether you cite a direct quote or summarize a quote in your own words, you must include MLA-style parenthetical citations. When citing evidence as a direct quote, make sure you “sandwich” them, as described in Chapter 3: As He Himself Puts It- The Art of Quoting in They Say/I Say.
In terms of organizing your body paragraphs, think of your persuasive research essay as a written debate. For example:
- The first three body paragraphs should present key points that support your argument (i.e. prove your thesis statement) with evidence from your sources.
- Next, transition to one or two body paragraphs in which you address and explain your opposition’s point of view (i.e. counterargument/naysayer); again, you will be referencing evidence from your sources. For more information about counterarguments/naysayers, refer to “Chapter 6: Skeptics May Object” of the They Say/I Say textbook.
- After discussing the naysayer, use the last one or two body paragraphs to strengthen your argument while weakening your opposition’s perspective by rebutting, or arguing against, the opposition’s point of view; that is, you will be pointing out the flaws in the opposition’s reasoning, with reference to evidence from your sources.
Your conclusion (one brief paragraph, approximately five sentences) will include a reiteration of your argument (thesis statement), a summary of the key points of your argument and your opposition, and an explanation of the importance of your position on the issue you’ve chosen regarding the benefits and/or disadvantages of college. Remember: Do not include new points, ideas, or evidence in the conclusion paragraph. If you did not present information in your body paragraphs, then you should not present that information as you wrap up your essay.
Include an MLA-style Works Cited page on a new page after your conclusion.
Formatting
- Length: Seven to nine total paragraphs
- Introduction paragraph
- Five to seven body paragraphs
- Concluding paragraph
- Overall, the text of your essay must be at least 4 full pages and no more than 6 full pages. A Works Cited page is required but is not included in the page length requirement.
- Line spacing: Double space
- Font typeface: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12
- MLA formatting/documentation guidelines: Parenthetical citations and Works Cited page required. You must reference a minimum of four sources: two assigned articles and two scholarly articles about your argument. See Course Content > Helpful Resources: MLA Style Requirements folder for resources and templates.
- Narrative point-of-view: First-person allowed; avoid filler phrases: I think, I feel, In my opinion
- Essay must be attached/uploaded to this Assignment link. See Course Content > Video: Submit an Assignment. Emailed submissions are not accepted. If you accidentally submit the incorrect file, you may submit the correct file through this assignment submission link by the due date.
- Before submitting, click the check box to agree to submit your paper to the plagiarism tool.
- Accepted file types: Microsoft Word or PDF
