In addition…
You may NOT utilize pictures, graphs, and charts in your paper.
You must have a minimum of 1500 words or more. The required Works Cited does NOT count in that minimum length.
The format for the paper is provided. Please note you are required to use the templates provided for your Neutral Introduction and your Common Ground (paragraphs one and two).
Remember… You do not enter the essay. You control the sides, but you don\’t ever give your opinions. \”I\” stays out of the paper completely (unless you\’re quoting a source and they use it). In addition, don’t utilize “you” because it implies the reader takes on that perspective.
You should use analysis and critical thinking, not just quotes, to elaborate and explain. So, you can re-state a quote or share what it “proves,” but you don’t ever provide your personal opinion and emotional bias.
Carefully balance the sides. Don\’t allow one to be more evident than the other. They deserve equal representation. For every Side A, in points 1-4, you must have a Side B paragraph.
Point 5 will be one-sided. It will be the side that is GOING TO BE announced as the winner in the conclusion. It’s treated as a new point. A new question is announced. New evidence is shared. However, POINT 5 ONLY shares the evidence of the side that’s going to win. They get to control the paragraphs. No alternation. No argument. This leads to the conclusion.
You must have a \”winner\” at the end of your essay. The winner comes from the side with the most reliable, factual, logical information. As you research your specific points, you’ll see the winner start to appear. The winner will be the side that gets to control Point 5.
You\’re required to use MLA Format. You can use Purdue Owl for MLA insights, and that information can be accessed at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
You need to use Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins. You need the MLA heading, page-numbering, in-text citations, and Works Cited. Be aware of long quotes and how their format changes. NOTE: Don’t over-use them. I don’t want to see more than two long quotes in the entire paper. You’ll lose track of the point’s argument, and the reader will begin to skip over the large chunks of quotes.
How to Organize the Argumentative Essay Using the Alternating Method
Paragraph one is your neutral introduction. It establishes the topic question, the sides, and the reliability of the research. Using the required template below, just fill in your topic and sides. You are required to use this.
In order for any argument to be dependable, research must take place. Analysis, assessment, and, eventually, judgment occur. This, however, does not happen until thorough evaluation of reliable sources takes place on behalf of both sides. In order for this assessment to take place, it\’s important to dwell on the following question: Place your argumentative question here. While Side A believes, yes, place your argumentative Side A answer here, the opposition does not share the same perspective. Side B, on the other hand, thinks place your argumentative Side B answer here. It\’s important to explore both sides in order to fully answer the question being debated.
After the introduction is established, you need to create a paragraph to provide a Common Ground. Paragraph two, the Common Ground, prepares the reader for a reasonable argument. It is merely a definition, FROM A STANDARD DICTIONARY, of the most important word from your argumentative question (the topic question you chose from this assignment sheet), a definition that BOTH SIDES AGREE UPON. It is not arguable. Rather it\’s a point of common interest. It allows the argument to begin on an equal, common level. It must be directly quoted, and it must be properly cited for MLA purposes. It is one or two sentences. You must use the template provided. This is your paragraph two (in bold below).
According to state the title, in italics, of the standard dictionary you used here, place your word here is defined as \”put your definition here\” (in-text citation goes here). If you need to define two words, please do so. You would have two sentences in your paragraph rather than one. Your second sentence would begin with: In addition, place your second word here is defined as \”put your definition here\” ( ).
Paragraph three is an optional history paragraph. If you need to do a history paragraph, it should be the third paragraph of your essay. A history paragraph would be utilized if you need to provide a brief background on the subject. It\’s not required, but it can be helpful is some cases. Please note that it can only be one paragraph, and it needs to have in-text citations.
Your points start next… Point 1 begins. Remember, always announce this in the first Side A paragraph.
Side A paragraph… One important point to consider is: “State the point’s question here”… Side A believes…
Next paragraph is the Side B paragraph… On the other hand, Side B argues…
NOTE: You can use as many paragraphs as needed within each point. Alternate between Sides A and B for every point (except for Point 5). So, if you have a Side A paragraph, in Points 1-4, you MUST have a Side B paragraph. Thus, the debate.
Please be aware of the obvious announcement of each point. This is critical. Don’t dismiss this element at it will make the points (and the argumentation) much clearer.
In EVERY paragraph, provide a clear sense of the side. So, you can use a variety of transitions… Side A, Side B, those in favor of, those opposed to, those who believe in, those who are against… There are many others to choose from, but you want to have one of these transitions in EVERY paragraph. It not only helps your readers keep track of the information/argument, but it helps you, as the writer, stay much more organized. The alternating format will be much more obvious. Your grade will be higher because of it.
Be sure to have reliable evidence in EACH paragraph. Each sentence that is quoted or paraphrased requires an in-text citation. Be aware of critical thinking and analysis as you develop and utilize the evidence.
Your conclusion is after Point 5. A conclusion in the final nail in the building of an argument. A conclusion should leave the reader persuaded that the reasoning is valid. A winner must be announced, but you still DO NOT GIVE YOUR OPINION. If you wish to, you can utilize this wording (or a variation of it)…
In conclusion, based on the evidence gathered, analyzed, and argued, it\’s clear that Side ____ is the winner. The reliability of the facts share the truth, and the truth leads to a clear conclusion. Without sustaining the debate by means of thorough research, this decision would\’ve been biased. But because the proof was carefully examined, there is no doubt. It\’s obvious, based on the research, that ________________________________ wins.
