Research Argumentative Essay
In your group, the first step of your Signature Assignment is to decide on ONE research topic about an interesting, controversial issue. To be clear, group members should have the same topic, but not every member has to be “pro” that particular issue or solution. Group members may believe in the opposition and prefer to write an essay on the counter argument of that same topic.
 
For example:  Group 1’s topic is “the border wall between Mexico and U.S.”
 
➢ Half of the group wants to argue the necessity of a border wall.
➢ The other half of the group wants to argue the harm of a border wall.
 
(See a list of sample topics on the last page.)  
 
Your group will collaborate to find research in the TSC online database. Each student will produce a clear, convincing final draft of an argumentative essay on a current issue.
 
Formatting details below:
 
➢ Write 900-1100 words (think 4-5 pages double spaced excluding the Works Cited page)
➢ Choose MLA or APA style format –but DO NOT use both in your essay.
➢ Format in-text citations and works cited/references page in one format, not a combo of both. (SLO 5, Personal Responsibility)
➢ Find a minimum of 5 scholarly sources from the online database, including 2 primary and 3 secondary sources.
➢ (Reputable websites are only permitted upon instructor approval. Email instructor for more info) (SLO 3, Critical Thinking)
➢ Each student must contribute at least one source from the database and the group should use this source.
➢ Utilize quotations, paraphrase, or summary from sources to support argument. (SLO 2)
➢ Use edited American English.
 
Basic Content:
 
I. Introduction paragraph
a. Begins with an engaging hook and ends with a well-developed thesis statement.
II. Body paragraph
a. Each body paragraph is a main point that supports the thesis statement
b. Argument must be relevant to the group’s current issue but in a mode of argumentation different from other group members
i. (definition argument, cause and effect, evaluation, solution proposal, or hybrid of each).
ii. Students may select the same mode of argumentation as group members, if they are expressing opposing viewpoints.
c. Student will synthesize sources gathered from research to support their central claim about the current issue, inspire belief or action, and persuade the audience of the student’s stance. (SLO 2, 3, and 4)
d. At least one source must come from another group member’s research.
e. The essay must build credibility and effectively communicate the student’s purpose and selected issue.
III. Counterarguments
a. Must be well-developed and addresses the opposition
IV. Rebuttals
a. Must address the alternate viewpoints and the weaknesses in their argument in order to strengthen the student’s position. 
V. Conclusion
a. Summarizes main points
b. Provides closure to the argument.