Arguing Essay 

The Arguing Essay combines the skills and ideas you have been learning and practicing up to this point in the course. You will investigate an issue related to our general topic of Language and Culture, choose appropriate sources, and argue for your position on a narrowly defined issue. You will address an academic audience which includes others who are writing about the issue. To learn more about this assignment, click on the items below: 

Goals of the Assignment 
The goals for this assignment are to learn and practice the following:

 demonstrating an understanding of the perspectives on an issue based on the previous work you've done in this unit 
 defining, analyzing, and responding to a particular rhetorical context evaluating and choosing appropriate sources
 synthesizing material from a variety of sources,including written texts, personal experience, and field  research 
 making a sufficiently narrow claim supporting a claim with sound reasoning and evidence 
 using logical, character, and emotional appeals as appropriate 
 documenting sources using MLA in‑text documentation and works cited

Subject of the Essay 
The subject of this essay is a debatable issue related to language and culture which you have explored with your group. All topics need instructor approval. If you change your topic after your proposal, please see your instructor immediately! 

Purpose of the Essay 
To argue in support of a debatable claim (or combination of claims) of fact, value, policy, or cause‑effect. 

Audience 
An informed, academic audience that include others who have written about this issue.

Process 
After your proposal is returned, analyze the rhetorical context for your argument, learn MLA documentation, analyze written arguments, discuss appropriate use of appeals (including avoiding logical fallacies), have at least one peer review workshop, and have opportunities for
instructor feedback in the process of writing this paper.

Strategies 
Focus on your position on a narrowly defined language and culture issue which is timely, relevant, and interesting to your audience. Clearly state an overall claim of fact, policy, value, or cause‑effect.  

Develop your paper to support your claim with sound reasoning; an appropriate balance of logical, character, and emotional appeals; and relevant, sufficient evidence from your research and experience. 

Organize the paper to accommodate the rhetorical situation. Choose a pattern of organization that not only enhances readability but also makes the greatest impact on your audience given your purpose. Write in a style that demonstrates sensitivity to audience, subject, and occasion. 

Demonstrate through all your choices in writing this paper an understanding of rhetorical context  (audience and purpose). 

Note: While your opinions are valuable starting points, remember that they must be explained and supported to be convincing to your audience. 

Requirements 
The requirements for this essay include: 

 Four to six (4‑6) pages, double‑spaced, typed. (The works cited page DOES NOT count as a page of your paper.) One‑inch margins. Use an ink jet or laser printer (NO dot matrix, please, unless its print  is very sharp and dark) and a legible 10‑12 point font (please avoid using all italics and script fonts). 
 Cite three‑five (3‑5) written sources (only one Exploring Language source will count toward this  requirement although you may use more than one source from there) At least one field source (close observation/analysis, interview, or survey) must also be used. 
 You must submit photocopies of all written sources CITED in your paper (except those from Exploring Language) as well as detailed notes from field sources.