English 1A
Formal Essay #3, Argument
1500-1800 words (5-6 pages)

Purpose

To engage with the techniques introduced in the book and in lecture
To consider ideas from an opposing point of view,
To practice the steps necessary for a sound argument.

Directions 

For the next two papers, Essay #3 and #4, your research paper, you’ll be arguing two sides of the same issue.  In Essay #3, the Argument Essay, you’ll argue a point with which you disagree strongly. In other words, you’re going to argue the opposite of what you really believe.  In Essay #4, the Research Essay, you’ll get to argue what you actually do believe.  For this essay, you must imagine the main points that your opponent would bring up, and argue them as if they were your own.

Before beginning , review the the components of a sound argument in the Hacker book and in Module 4.

Topic

You are free to choose your own topic.  I’ve had some very engaging ones; people have written about dog leash laws, open container laws, gay marriage laws, eating disorders, child care issues, stem cell research, cloning, freedom of speech, and many more.   You are limited only by how much you care about the topic. Please choose your topic carefully! You will not be allowed to change topics once you've settled on one for Essay #3.  You'll be working with this topic for the next several weeks, so please choose something that can sustain your interest.  It doesn't necessarily need to be a controversial topic.  I am willing to consider any topic, as long as it yields a strong thesis, and as long as you'll be able to do some research on it for Essay #4, the research paper. Other students have written essays about such diverse topics as dog leash laws, open container laws, eating disorders, child care issues, stem cell research, cloning, freedom of speech, creationism vs. Darwinism, prostitution, the Middle East conflict, globalism, outsourcing, sex education, pet ownership, animals rights, religion, cell phones, celebrity-worship, racism, sex and gender roles, censorship, labor trends, taxes, single parenthood, obesity, bilingual education, college and high school education, preschool, gambling, domestic violence, marriage (both gay and straight), child custody issues, violence in the media, foreign policy, the environment, gangs, pornography, immigration laws...the list goes on and on.

If you choose a topic like abortion, the death penalty, gun control or medical marijuana, please keep in mind that I’ve read dozens of papers on each one of these topics.  I am always interested in your point of view, but I tend to scrutinize papers on these topics more than others, because of the greater likelihood of plagiarism, and because of the risk of logical fallacies.  Also, I encourage you to pick something different because it’s refreshing for me.
Tips
 
  1. No matter what topic you choose, make sure you are arguing from the point of view opposite your own, and that the argument sounds reasonable.  Try to anticipate what your opponent might say.  Lay out the argument with each point ascending in importance (save the most compelling argument for last.)  You needn’t provide a host of details – just lay out each point, keeping in mind whether it’s an ethical, rational or emotional appeal.  Later, you will be given the chance to tear down each point and unveil the fallacies behind the argument.  For now you are to pretend that you embrace this argument wholeheartedly.
  2. Your tone should be reasonable and persuasive, not confrontational, sarcastic or belligerent.  It should also be authoritative, which can be the most difficult thing for students to pull off . After all, you are arguing from a standpoint that directly opposes what you really believe.  
  3. If you can’t think of one reasonable argument on your opponents’ side, then consider doing a little online research.    
  4. Review the characteristics of a good argument and check your paper for them, to make sure your argument is as strong as it can be.  The one exception might be looking for logical fallacies.  I assume that since you disagree with the argument you’re making, you will consider at least some of the points fallacious.  Just make sure they sound reasonable – you can point out the flaws in logic in the final research paper.