How to write an Argumentative Term paper
Argumentative term papers can be much more intimidating than other assignments. Not only do they require that you take a position on a controversial issue, they also require that you put your opinion on the line for a large percentage of your term grade. Fortunately, argumentative papers are based on a set format that is relatively easy to follow. The key is to pick a topic that you have an opinion on and to develop your opinion using logic and evidence.
Instructions
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Select an appropriate topic. Pick a controversial topic because the more disagreement there is over your topic, the more supporting and opposing arguments you have to draw on for support. Don't pick a purely theoretical topic because an argumentative paper is supposed to have a subjective element to it. Pure math, for example, is not a good topic for an argumentative paper because verbal argument won't prove much.
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Find information sources for your paper. If your professor is an expert in the topic, then ask him to name the best authors on the subject. Search in your school's library for books by these authors. For additional sources, search on academic search engines like JSTOR or Academic Search Premier (see Resources) for journal articles and books.
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Read your research sources. Take notes on what you read. Write down key facts, statistics and quotes related to your position. Write notes about the significance of these facts and figures.
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Write your thesis statement --- a single sentence that expresses your argument in the most concise terms possible. If your argument has three sub-arguments, state each in the thesis statement. For example, if the three arguments have to do with fiscal policy, monetary policy and budget policy, you might say, "The government's intervention succeeded due to innovative fiscal, monetary and budget policy."
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Write a bullet point outline that fleshes out your arguments. Write your thesis statement at the top of the outline. Write a point for each argument mentioned in your thesis statement. Include a point of explanation and a point of evidence beneath each major argument as a bullet point. Follow the APA style bullet points for outlining: Roman numerals for the main point, capital letters for the sub-point, Arabic numerals for specific facts.
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Flesh out your arguments in full paragraphs. For the introductory paragraph, write two or three sentences of background information before your thesis statement. For the body of the paper, write a paragraph to introduce each argument and several paragraphs to explain each argument and discuss the significance of evidence. For the concluding paragraph, restate your thesis in different terms and summarize the paper.
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Write a bibliography listing every source you cited in the paper. In each listing, include the publication name, article name, author name and date of publication.
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References
Resources
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