Arguing Both Sides Essay Assignment | Homework Help Websites

Upload your final draft of the Arguing Both Sides essay. Read the guidelines carefully in the book. You will choose one topic from the list in the book on p.89 – 90, and then you will write TWO papers, with a thesis at the top of each paper.

First you are arguing for ONE side of an issue, and then in the next paper, you are arguing the OTHER side of the same issue. No intro/conclusion necessary at this point, and you are not acknowledging the opposing view since each paper IS the opposing view of each other.

Although sources are not required, if you choose to include facts, information, or references to people or events, then correct MLA citations are REQUIRED. Failure to include correct and appropriate MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited List will result in a failing essay grade and could result in a charge of plagiarism.

Links: How to Cite Sources in MLA  (链接到外部网站。)链接到外部网站。and Sample Works Cited List  (链接到外部网站。)链接到外部网站。

You will write multiple drafts, which will be peer-reviewed online, and the final draft is submitted through Canvas which uses the third-party tool: Turnitin, the plagiarism detection website.

Preparing an Argument – Exploring Both Sides of an Issue

The difference between:

• a topic
• an issue
• a question at issue
• a thesis

Example of a TOPIC: pet care – by itself, not an issue; not controversial or arguable.

Example of an ISSUE: laboratory testing of animals – is arguable; a position either for or against will be taken.

Example of a QUESTION AT ISSUE: Should animals be tested in labs for human purposes?

Example of an OPEN THESIS: Animals should not be used for testing in labs. States an position on the question at issue, but does not contain the reasons for the position.

Example of a CLOSED THESIS: Animals should be not be used for testing in labs because the tests cause pain. (What is the hidden, unstated assumption? Animals don’t deserve to be in pain.)

In other words: here is how you would put a THESIS in STANDARD FORM:

Premise 1: Lab testing causes pain.

Premise 2: Animals are used in lab testing

Conclusion: (Therefore): Animals should not be used for testing in labs.

An effective argument MUST acknowledge BOTH sides of an argument.

Here is an example: (choose your own topic)

Proposal: Physical Education Courses Should Not Be Required

PRO (Support Proposal)

CON (Oppose Proposal)

1. PE grades unfairly lower the GPAs of some good students

1. Physical fitness is a critical part of education: “A sound mind in a sound body.”

2. Students should exercise on their own time, not for credit.

2. Students need an occasional break from lectures, textbook, and exams.

3. School is for study, not play.

3. A few hours of PE courses never hurt anybody.

4. One gym course can’t turn a poor athlete into a good one.

4. What good is improving your mind if your body is going to pieces?

5. Do taxpayers realize that they are paying for students to bowl and play badminton?

5. PE courses teach some valuable social skills.

6. PE courses can be dangerous.

6. Most students enjoy taking PE courses.