Formal Argument

Write an essay in which you take one side of a contemporary, arguable issue. Choosing a good topic over which to choose your topic is very important.

1) It is important your topic is sufficiently narrow. Particular laws or bills before the federal or state legislature and newsworthy controversies are best. For instance, ìthe warî is too big; however, particular plans for troop withdrawal are not too big. Because formal argument is about logicónot emotionóit is important to choose a topic where one side of the argument is not faith-based. Examples of these are abortion, death penalty, school prayer, gun control, gay marriage, and other similar topics. It is important your argument be based on even-handed logic, not dogma (belief).

The essay should adhere to all the earmarks of a formal English essay.

2) The essay should appear in the MLA Format for research papers and be written in 3^rd person pronoun. No I or you.

Like the compare/contrast essay, your essay

3) should be written in a three point thesis structure.

Although your compare/contrast essay included some of the following, your formal argument MUST include:

4) a formal appeal in the introduction. The introduction should also establish why this topic is newsworthy and controversial before stating the thesis. It is particularly important to prove yourself reasonable before disagreeing with your audience. It is also important that the words you choose for your thesis statement be well thought-out. Remember, you must repeat the key words you use here in the topic sentences of your body paragraphs.

and

5) a formal argument ALWAYS contains counter-argument. That is, you must concede certain points and preview, briefly, the oppositionís major points. Do this WHILE MAKING YOUR ARGUMENT. Do not set this aside in a paragraph by itself.

As always,

6) Grammar, spelling and usage are important in conveying your ideas.

Essay due at Conference.