Drug testing for Government Assistance

The text states that the purpose of an argument is to “attempt to convince a reader to agree with a particular point of view, to make a particular decision, or to pursue a particular course of action” (p. 487). An argument begins with a reasoned, well-formed thesis and uses support to convince the reader that the position is acceptable. Research is required to give authority to the support. The essay should use MLA format for incorporating and documenting the researched used in the paper. In other words, you must use in-text citations and have a Works Cited page for all research used in the paper.

Any information that is not properly incorporated and documented appropriately could be considered plagiarism. Plagiarism is, according to college policy, “the intentional or knowing presentation of the work of another one’s own without proper acknowledgment of the source.”

In using sources in essays, it really goes beyond this. Any inappropriate use of sources or information can also be considered plagiarism. While paraphrasing or summarizing is often used in working with sources, the text in questions must be paraphrased or summarized appropriately. The writer must completely reword, changing both language and structure of the sentences that are being used. They must be in your words instead of the original author’s and must have in-text citations and must be listed on the Works Cited page. Examples are provided as models to avoid plagiarism.

The topic, or issue, for your argument essay must be one that is undecided, one that has at least two positions (right/wrong, effective, ineffective, good/bad, should/should not?). Try to stay away from topics that have become trite, topic like abortion, gun control, capital punishment, legalizing marijuana. Look for topics in the news, starting right in your own communities. For example, should Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools adopt some part or all of the recommendation made by the Citizens’ Task Force?

If you are unsure of a topic, please see the link below for ideas that are arguable.

The key, however, is to find a topic that is relevant in some way. Local issues, for obvious reasons, often have a more immediate impact on our lives, but your interest and concern about the topic is critical. Invest the time and energy in something that is important to you.

The essay should be 1000-1200 words long (3-4 pages). It must follow MLA format and include at least 4 sources, three which must be accessed through the library databases, available through the library link from CPCC. All sources may be on-line sources, but each source must be evaluated for credibility and authority.

The Structure for Argument

Introduction- engage reader; give background & context, such as history of issue, who it affects, etc.; lead to you thesis, or claim, at the end of the introduction.

Body- consists of your reasons that explain why you hold your position on the issue. Each reason will be followed by researched support that convinces the reader that each reason is valid. There is no set number of reasons. It will vary from one argument to the next, to some degree. It is, however, important that the argument is complete.

Rebuttal- the rebuttal incorporates the main points or criticism of the opposition point of view. You should identify these points AND refute them, prove them wrong.

Conclusion- re-emphasize the thesis and discuss implication, effects, associations, etc.