Final Research Paper Task Sheet
ARGUMENTATIVE RESEARCH
ENG201/246/201P/201B
Format:
Spacing: Double spaced
Margins: 2.5 cm margins, top, bottom, left and right
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font: 14 for titles+12 for text
Numbering: starts at the introduction
Word Count: 1000-1200 words
Bear in mind you will submit your final paper over Turnitin. Thus, any paper that exceeds the unoriginality limit (20%) would not be accepted.
Process:
1- Make an educated choice of your stance (whether supporting or against). You might want to go through some articles/readings to decide on your stance.
2- Search for at least five valid sources, on the topic you have chosen. Evaluate your sources carefully. Make sure that they are all reliable/scholarly sources.
NB: These sources must provide all the information you might need in your research, such as; definitions, holistic view of the topic, and a rounded view on both stances (supporting and against)
3- Revise your course material on summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting and how to synthesize different sources for your paper.
4- Read all your articles/sources thoroughly, and apply your reading strategies to make use of any relevant information you might use in your research
5- You can work on a brainstorming (pro and con) chart in order to collect all the points related to that argument, and to have a clear idea on all the relevant points whether supporting your argument or against.
6- Argumentative Research Paper outline:
Abstract: (not numbered)
One paragraph of 200 words, written on a separate page.
It should include: introducing the topic, a summary of the two opposed views and the student’s point of view (one of the two views).
NB: Sometimes it is easier to write the abstract after drafting your whole paper.
I- Introduction—
Includes all kinds of background information on the topic. You can provide a definition, in addition to general and relevant historical information on your argumentative topic.
The introduction should start with the most general information, then try to narrow it down to reach your research focus.
THESIS STATEMENT:
An argumentative thesis must clarify your stance on the topic clearly, showing your point of focus, and stressing its argumentative nature
II- Body:
In order to strengthen an argumentative technique, not only do you have to prove your opinion through presenting your reasons with facts and sources, but you also have to tackle the opposing point of view and try then prove its insufficiency whether in evidence or strength.
That’s why; there are two types of paragraphs in an argumentative essay:
Support paragraphs
Here, you can mention your reasons for supporting that particular stance and solidify that with the appropriate persuasive techniques.
TOPIC SENTENCE: you mention only one reason for your argument
Then, You use your readings/citations to support that reason
Unity is highly important in your support paragraphs. Each paragraph should tackle one idea (one reason) only
Counter argument paragraphs
Here, you tackle the opposite opinion, then try to refute (prove its points of weakness)
Causes of the problem (How & Why)
The sequence of a counterargument paragraph differs from that of a support paragraph. It depends on:
First, you clarify the opposing opinion, showing one of its main arguments. Your readings would be helpful in that step
Then you focus on a weakness point in the opposing opinion
You weaken your opponent’s opinion by either providing evidence on how his argument is wrong, or providing a well thought out and reasoned argument that suggests that he might be wrong (refute and rebut)
NB: Your essay cannot be considered fully argumentative if it doesn’t include a counter argument paragraph. This means that the body of your paper must include at least one counterargument paragraph. Also, a paper is fully argumentative if it includes no support paragraphs.
The following table might clarify that: Sequence of argumentative body paragraphs:
A B C
Support paragraph
Support paragraph
Support paragraph
Counterargument paragraph Counterargument paragraph
Support paragraph
Support paragraph
Support paragraph
Counterargument paragraph
Counterargument paragraph
Counterargument paragraph
Support paragraph
III- Conclusion:
For a conclusion, you need to do two things:
Reassert your stance/rephrase the thesis statement.
Summarize all your arguments and your refutations effectively
IV- References:an alphabetically ordered list of the references you have used throughout the paper. This page, like the Abstract, is on a separate page and has its own heading “References”.
NB: Must follow APA rules
V- Turnin your assignment and print out the Originality Report
VI – Print the Table of contents from the e-learning and make sure you attached all items included in the list.
VII – Sign the Academic Honesty Form and submit your paper and schedule a time for presentation. Keep the Slip in a save Place.
