2.16 Argument Essay Choice and Research

TGA 2.16 – Argument/Research Essay (Initial Research) Student Name: Argument/Research Essay Response An argument essay is a short, multi-paragraph piece of writing that focuses on a single topic. In an argument essay, the person writing the essay is either arguing in favor of or against something (like being for or against having to wear school uniforms). The goal is to explain to the audience why you think what you think. Write a well-developed response (at least 3-5 paragraphs), that explores an argumentative perspective about a choice argument. If you are choosing to take a more direct research response, then your “argument” will be connected to WHY your chosen topic is important to learn about. You will be working with using the R.A.C.E.R. model of writing your response. The model will be used to help you create a recognizable thesis statement, or focus for your written response. R- Restate or address the question/prompt. A- Answer the question C- Cite textual evidence E- Explain your evidence and response R- Restate or address the question/prompt as a conclusion. Step 1: Choose your Topic Select an argument to investigate and decide… would you agree or disagree with the argument? This will be your side of the argument that you will attempt to defend in your writing. If you are selecting a straightforward research topic, like expanding on your science/ELA crossover assignment about superbugs, you will focus on explaining WHY the topic is important to investigate and at least 3 supporting ideas that you can explain using information that you will research for throughout the unit. Should students have a greater say in what they study in school (for example, choosing classes based on what you want to do for a career)? Should parents monitor their child’s internet usage? Should companies be allowed to refuse to hire someone because of their physical appearance (for example: tattoos, piercings, hair color, weight, gender expression)? Should physical education (gym) classes be required for all students? Should art education (music, art, dance, drama) be required for all students? Should companies be allowed to advertise unhealthy foods and snacks to children? Should the government do more to make citizen’s lives better? Are animal exhibits (aquariums, zoos, petting zoos) ethical? Research Alternatives: Continue to investigate or expand your Science related assignment about Superbugs or the use of GMO foods . A specific scientific advancement, or another specific topic that would allow you answer the question, “Why is it important to further research this topic?” or, “Why is this an important topic for the public to know about?” STEP 2: Thesis (topic) Sentence & Research Now that you have brainstormed some reasons in support of the theme you chose, it’s time to write a thesis (topic) sentence. Your thesis will use the R.A.C. part of the RACER response, and the model will be repeated throughout the essay to help you with a fully-formed response. R-Restate the argument, A-Answer the argument, C-Cite/Share 3 reasons as support. This is a preview to what will come. The thesis sentence (or topic sentence) should introduce the topic that you are writing about and give a short overview of the big ideas that you write about in your paper. Since you are writing about your opinion as a reader on this theme (why you think THAT theme is most relevant for the audience), you will start your thesis (topic) sentence by saying firmly which theme present in the story is the strongest/most relevant for readers to understand. Follow the steps below to create your thesis (topic) sentence: Here is an example concerning an argument about whether schools drinking fountains should dispense chocolate milk: Step 1 What is your topic? (Answer the question your topic is asking It would be a terrible idea to replace all water fountains with chocolate milk fountains. here! Yes or no?) Step 2 Germs and bacteria grow better in List the big three ideas you will environments where they can digest cover about this topic (your three sugar, like chocolate milk reasons why) Would be much harder to keep Chocolate milk is not as the milk fresh – a power nutritionally valuable as outage means lots of wasted water. milk Step 3 It would be a terrible idea to replace all water fountains with chocolate milk fountains because Combine what you wrote for Step milk is more likely to grow bacteria, milk must be kept fresh, and replacing water with 1 with the 3 big ideas from Step 2 chocolate milk takes away a healthy option and gives a less healthy one. to make a complete sentence. Take note of how the combined sentence at the end doesn’t contain ALL of the information about the three big ideas supporting the topic, but a brief summary of the idea. This will allow the writer to expand and explain their reasoning in the writing following the introduction. Your Turn! Try your hand at writing a thesis statement of your own. Fill in the blank: Example: (Student’s should have more say in the choices they can have for classes) because reason #1, reason #2, and reason #3. Student attempt at a thesis: Time to research! – You should have 3 sources!! Use the boxes below to keep track of the resources you find as you complete your research. Attempt to find 3 different websites that can help provide information about the history of your topic, general information/knowledge sites about your topic, or even argument-based sites to help find supportive data towards your topic. Good websites to help with argumentative topics: https://www.procon.org/ https://www.opposingviews.com/ Find at least 3 facts, quotes, pieces of support from each article that you could potentially use in your argument/research paper response. Remember, as long as you are gathering the author information, grab as much direct information from the source as possible. Direct quotes are strong supports! Erase the examples in red to add your own. Title of the article/book Example: “The History of Soup: 10 Facts You May Not Know” Who is the author? Example: Dr. Bob Smith, PhD What is the name of the website/company Example: All Things Soup that published this article/book? When was this published (or most recently updated)? Example: Published: May 2020 Website? -> copy/past the URL Example: http://www.allthingssoup.com/askthesoupdoctor Book? -> what’s the page number? What information from this site do Soup was invented thousands of years ago you want to use? Every single culture has some form of soup that the eat traditionally Use this box to take notes! Soup is easy to cook because it just needs one big pot and whatever ingredients you have on hand Title of the article/book Who is the author? What is the name of the website/company that published this article/book? When was this published (or most recently updated)? Website? -> copy/past the URL Book? -> what’s the page number? What information from this site do you want to use? Use this box to take notes! Title of the article/book Who is the author? What is the name of the website/company that published this article/book? When was this published (or most recently updated)? Website? -> copy/past the URL Book? -> what’s the page number? What information from this site do you want to use? Use this box to take notes! Title of the article/book Who is the author? What is the name of the website/company that published this article/book? When was this published (or most recently updated)? Website? -> copy/past the URL Book? -> what’s the page number? What information from this site do you want to use? Use this box to take notes!