For our final assessment, you will have to submit a well-formed argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue, using reasons to support your opinion. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion/point of view is right. 

(Use your project results to support your arguments!)

Suggested Topics: IS OUR ELECTION PROCESS FAIR 

For our final essay, you have to take a stand, and then support your position with solid reasons and evidence. Your argumentative essay needs to contain:

1. an explanation of the issue
2. a clear thesis statement- The thesis mentions the topic and a debatable point of view about the topic.

 

Note: Do not include phrases such as “in my opinion”, “I think”, or “I am going to talk about” in your thesis.

 

It is ok to guide your readers by listing the specific arguments you will make in your essay. (It is called a blueprint thesis.)

 

3. supporting details

In the body of your essay, make convincing arguments. Use several types of supporting evidence:

• Anecdotes- You can talk about specific experiences (your own or others) to support your point of view.
  • Facts- Facts are verifiable information. Make sure that you get your facts from reliable sources! Depending on your topic, using statistics is a great way to provide support for an argument.
• Experts- Opinions from experts can give weight to your argument.
• The logical consequences- Discuss the long-term consequences if something does or does not happen.
• Answers for the opposition- Think about arguments that can be made to oppose your position and build your responses to them into the body of the essay.

In this essay, you are required to include one (1) direct quotation from an outside source and also in-text citation for paraphrased information in the text (minimum 1). 

4. a conclusion

The conclusion usually presents a summary of your point of view

5. Works cited list

 

You are required to list all of the sources you actually used in your paper. Formal documentation using APA or MLA is required.   ( A minimum of two (2) sources must be used to write your essay.)

 

.com site in your search results: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/09/republicans-free-fair-elections-435488

.gov site in your search results: https://www.usa.gov/election

.org site in your search results: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/its-official-election-was-secure