The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it effectively, and these folks are always surprised when others don’t agree with them because their logic seems so correct. Additionally, writers of argumentation often forget that their primary purpose in an argument is to sway the reader to accept their point of view. It is easy to name call, to ignore the point of view, or to accept one’s own opinion as gospel, even if the writer has not checked his or her premise in a couple of years. This is also true with many young writers who have not questioned the beliefs inherited from others.

Want to know what you think about something? Then, write an argumentative essay. Avoid writing about issues that cannot be won, no matter how strongly you may feel about them. Also, care should be taken that after thinking about one side of an issue, think through the other side as well. Far too many individuals only think about the side that they already believe in. This hurts the strength of the argument because they are not addressing the concerns of someone that does not agree with them or the people that they are trying to convince. You do not need to write about the opposing position. Instead, think about how to convince someone with an opposing viewpoint as you write the paper.

So, what do you write about? The paper will be based on a country from a non-western culture. You will watch news videos from a non-western country and find a topic of interest. The topic can be loosely tied to the video or can change somewhat with research, but you must start with a news video.

The issue must be an arguable claim that a reasonable person could disagree with. If it is not an issue that a reasonable person could disagree with, then it does not fulfill the requirement to persuade someone to this point of view.

A clear position taken by the writer with strong ethos. In the thesis sentence, state the position. You should not write: “I believe that the toilet crisis in India presents an opportunity.” Using the first person weakens your argument. Instead you should, write, “The toilet crisis in India presents an opportunity in the following ways…” In other words, take an authoritative stance on the issue. Avoid using first person (referring to yourself or the reader – I, me, you, we, us, etc.), as it weakens the authorial ethos.

A convincing argument. An argumentative essay does not merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be backed up by facts that persuade readers that the opinion is valid. Use research to determine if the facts are really facts or just commonly held beliefs.

A reasonable tone. Assume that the reader will disagree or be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that the tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. By anticipating objections and making concessions, it inspires confidence and shows good will.

Basic Guidelines for your paper:

This essay will be in MLA format. Use the Longman, Bedford Handbook, Purdue Owl web-site, MLA guidelines handout, and handouts from class.

This essay should be 1100 words written in 12 point Times New Roman font with standard Microsoft Word margins. If it is shorter than 1100 words, 10% will be deducted for each 50 words. Standard Microsoft Word margins (1 inch on bottom and top and 1 inch on sides). It should have standard double-spacing (check this under the layout /spacing tab. Should say 0 before and 0 after).

The paper must be turned in electronically. The essays are automatically put through plagiarism software. I will then grade the papers and return them. Often, I will return the papers in the order that I receive them, so it pays off to turn in the papers early.

The essay should not be a high school style report. We will discuss the differences between high school reports and college research papers and a large portion of the grade will be on fulfilling the requirements of a college level research paper (mainly using analysis, evaluation, and contextualizing the information from the research, while avoiding plagiarism).

This paper is required to have a minimum of 4 sources – All 4 sources need to be academic journals. 

MLA Guidelines for Paper Format

Set margins of your document to 1 inch on top and bottom, 1on the left and right. Set paragraph spacing to 0 Before, 0 After.

Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes your last name, followed by a space with a page number; number all pages consecutively with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.

Double-space the text of your paper, and use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

Do not make a separate title page for your paper.

In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor’s name, the course / assignment, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text with no extra spaces.

Double space again and center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks; write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters.

Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin.

Country List for Research

Southern Asia: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

Northern Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia, etc.

The Middle East: Israel, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, etc.

India / Pakistan Region: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, etc.

Africa: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Chad, Niger, Mali, Eritrea, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, etc.