The Academic Argument

Essay 3: The Academic Argument THE WRITING TASK: The start of almost any research project focuses on the conversation– the ideas and debates that have come before us, of which we are trying to join. If we want to be able to join the conversation surrounding that topic, and join it in an intelligent manner, we have to first learn what others have said about our topic and, in turn, what new ideas we can offer. “Listening to the conversation” was the task of Essay 2: The Literature Review in your larger research project. Now that you have thought and inquired about your topic, you are ready to make an argument that brings your voice to the conversations surrounding the topic you’ve chosen and develops ideas that will push that conversation forward. In Essay 3: The Academic Argument, you will be developing a clear argument about your issue with the intention to convince and persuade your reader. Imagine your reader as someone interested in your topic, knowledgeable in rhetoric and argumentation, yet ultimately skeptical of your position. Demonstrate your credibility by presenting a fair account of the issue, providing balanced context of the topic, and demonstrating your position as valid through reason. Consider who or possibly what organization or publication you could send this argument to. Though you will not talk directly to that person in the essay, a stronger definition of your reader may help you in your choices when trying to convince and persuade. To connect with your reader, you should consider the beliefs they may have, or how to address their skepticisms (when necessary), and how to develop a sense of exigency as you argue your position. IN THE ACADEMIC ARGUMENT:  Make an argument intended to convince the reader of your main point. A clear, specific main claim (thesis statement) in the introduction paragraph helps the reader know the arguable point that will control the content and tone of the essay.  Develop multiple body paragraphs that follow an organizational strategy. Each should focus on one specific subtopic (reason) related to the main claim. Think about how each paragraph allows the reader to understand your main claim better and moves the reader logically forward in your argument.  Support for your argument is essential. It is important to consider what the reader needs to know and how to introduce research so that it flows. Careful to not just retell what happens in the sources. You should show analysis and a conversation with the sources. Help your reader understand how your sources and examples support your main or supporting points.  Use credible and relevant sources to support your argument/reasons. You will need to use at minimum five (5) sources and three (3) of those must also meet the academic/scholarly source requirements. Make sure to reread and fully understand your sources. You do not want to misquote or misrepresent your sources by your misunderstanding of the research.  Address and rebut a counterargument (the most reasonable and strongest argument against your position) in a way that helps you develop a more sophisticated argument. This addresses the skeptical reader.  Keep your audience & purpose at the forefront of every “writerly choice” you make. What do you hope to achieve with your writing (purpose) and who do you anticipate will help you to achieve this goal? Apply a variety of rhetorical strategies to successfully persuade your reader.  Pay attention to details! A carefully proofread final draft that is generally free of distracting and confusing sentence-level errors and correctly cites the sources you’ve used adds to your credibility as a writer and critical thinker.  Avoid use of the second-person pronoun “you”; additionally, the essay is not a narrative so be purposeful in your use of first person: I, me, we, our, us.  Reach a minimum of five (5) full pages. TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Essay 3: The Academic Argument is the culminating project of the semester. This essay will require active reading skills, a developed writing process, and knowledge and application of rhetorical concepts. Essay 3 incorporates all of the student learning outcomes (SLO 1 & 2) on the English 1A syllabus . To pass the course, you need to show that you have acquired these skills by demonstrating them in your writing. You will want to present the best writing you have to offer. • You must avoid plagiarism at all cost • Document your research as you do it. Note the source information for citations and create brief summaries. Needing to backtrack later is frustrating and wastes time. • When incorporating outside sources into your essay, use a mix of summary, paraphrasing, and quotations; use rhetorically powerful verbs in your signal phrases. • When you don’t know how to get started: set a timer for 3 minutes & free-write whatever comes to mind. • When you struggle moving to the next step: consult your Everything’s an Argument textbook, complete Writing Process opportunities, ask me in class or my student hours and/or visit a peer writing tutor in the LRC. • For assistance with research and citation: use your textbook reference pages, visit me in my ConferZoom student hours, go into the Library and speak with a librarian, and/or ask the 24/7 library chat online.