Rhetorical Modes Writing the Argumentative Persuasive Essay 1

Rhetorical Modes Writing the Argumentative / Persuasive Essay

1. Choosing a Topic s n ir ca e m -A or n g i pa e m c Ca nan Fi ng ig yr h ts e g ria ar M g n op x C n i g/ li iz utio Se l n b W i rf ic LB d l a e il ar g tit am A M ba h h m e G s o s C L o in Gl Very controversial Sa le i r “Settled” issue F P s. g v e in n m ia ar h t s e C o c i r o s r a h i t n v a n lt lfa u on q o l e a a e i n e s t i o e th a v at n Ira re l. W l ent l H r u E m a a a l g i t e s E o i r ar cel im pi ishm er C n a m W v i A C n W Im m Un Pu e St b La ng i m ar Pr oh ib iti on an A topic for an argumentative essay should be controversial, topical, and have a significant numbers of “pro” and “con” sides.

2. CHOOSING YOUR POSITION “SIDE. ” “I feel that stem-cell research should be permitted in California because it holds the key to the future of health care and will increase California’s status as a forward-looking state. . “ Vs. “Stem –cell research should be permitted in California because it holds the key to the future of health care and will increase California’s status as forward-looking state. ” This is essentially where your thesis statement begins it’s development. It is an “I believe” or “I feel” statement. But you want to avoid “I” statements in college writing so make your statement as declarative as possible.

3. SETTING THE RIGHT “TONE. ” “Despite what the Godless-heathens on the evolution side may claim, there is not one shred of so-called evidence that man developed from apes. (But I am willing to admit that Darwin was perhaps a monkey. ) Vs. “Despite evolutionist’s claims, the evidence for Darwin’s theory of natural selection is limited and the research is extremely flawed. ” The reader may or may not be on “your side” but one sure way to turn off any reader is to take on a hostile or mean-spirited tone. Be respectful of opposing side.

4. RESEARCH “Gambling in California should be legalized because we’re going to do it anyway, we’d made loads of money, and it’s really, fun!!!” Vs. “According to a recent study performed by the Independent Trade Commission, the legalization of Las Vegas-style casino gambling in California ‘would generate nearly 150 million dollars in additional revenue for the state’ by bringing in more tourists (ITC Report 23). ” As we have discussed, research adds to the logos of an argument. Without it, the author’s argument is just an opinion.

5. Outline • INTRO: General introduction of the problem. Thesis statement which states your opinion. • Paragraph 2 -3: History of the problem (including, perhaps, past attempts at a solution). Sources needed • Paragraph 4 -6: Extent of the problem (who is affected; how bad is it, etc. ). Sources needed • Paragraphs 7 -8: Repercussion of the problem if not solved. Sources needed. • Paragraphs 9 -10: You should have led up to a conclusion that your argument is sound. Anticipate objections and make concessions. • Conclusion: Affirmation of thesis and summary of main ideas. An outline provides the writer with a way of plotting out the structure of the essay from beginning to end.

6. WRITING PROCESS Formatting Proofreading / editing Research Outlining Draft 1 Draft 2 / workshopping If your project is a long one (several weeks) then you should organize your time in a way that suits your personality. In general, writing is usually going to be the first or second longest part of the process of research paper writing.