Argument and Research
Argument/ Informative Research Paper
Overview of the Assignment:
This assignment requires students to write a 5 (full) to 6 pg. formal APA documented argumentative/
Informative research paper. The paper should apply the concepts of the rhetorical triangle and the
Toulmin Method and may include research that was gathered for the informative research paper on a
topic related to the general course theme “Education”
Course Objectives Addressed:
Locate source material using on-line and data base search logic
Identify, distinguish and practice writing summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotations.
Learn that research is important in persuasive writing as a means of exploring a variety of
perspectives
Evaluate, analyze and synthesize others’ ideas so as to develop and support student writer’s
argument and purposes
Provide correct attribution (in-text and reference page) for a variety of source materials (scholarly,
popular, on-ground, and on-line) using APA citation format
Identify and practice the use of APA bibliographic citation style. Students will master the APA
cover page (including use of running head), and will practice the conventions of in-text citations
and reference lists.
Evaluate sources and practice locating and using at least one scholarly source, one Internet source,
and one source from a Robert Morris University electronic data base. Students will practice using
the Robert Morris Electronic library as well as the Robert Morris University “on-ground” library.
Topics:
Your topic will be a controversial issue related to the assigned theme, Education, and examined in your
informational research paper. For this paper, the approach to the topic will be argumentative rather than
informative.
Process:
o review the research gathered for the informative paper, re-examining the sources in order to take
a position on the issue
o form a supportable argument/ persuasive assertion/ thesis statement in order to persuade a
general academic audience (instructor and class peers) to accept your position, or to recognize
your position as reasonable and viable, worth consideration
o write an argumentative research paper, based on research sources, formatted and documented per
APA standards, applying the concepts of the rhetorical triangle and the Toulmin Model
Length/ Development/ Format:
Format the paper according to APA standards, including title page, abstract, and References page
Develop the essay -- 5 (full) to 6 pages, excluding the title page, abstract, and References page.
Double-space, using 12pt times new roman (or similar) font.
Required Sources:
5 to 7 credible sources must be cited in the paper. (Sources can be cited more than once.)
o at least three of the sources should be scholarly sources from academic library databases
(Proquest, Ebscohost, or similar) – click the “scholarly” box on the search site
(“scholarly” can include, but is not limited to, peer-reviewed journal articles)
o at least one of the sources should be a credible, reliable Web source (see Writing
Arguments p.282 and the Purdue OWL site for reliability guidelines)
note: no Wikipedia, no general encyclopedias, no blog sites, no emails, tweets, etc.
note: only one article from Issues and Controversies may be used/ cited
note: You are welcome to use the sources which you researched for the informational paper --
You are also welcome to research and use other sources.
Organization:
o The essay should follow the classical organizational pattern (see chpt.3 Writing Arguments), or a
variation of this pattern, unless the topic justifies a different organization
Content – the paper should include:
Abstract
A developed paragraph (about ½ - ¾ page) which summarizes your paper’s content, including
your thesis/ argument assertion
Use 3rd person, and summarize the content rather than “announce” what the paper does
Introduction
o identifies your narrowed, focused controversial issue topic
o establishes that the issue is complex, problematic, and significant
o states the paper’s argument/ thesis/ assertion
note: You do not need to take a completely “pro” or “con” position on the issue
Body Paragraphs
Use a classical organizational pattern or similar effective organization
Apply the concepts of the rhetorical triangle and the Toulmin Method
o Present and support your position
o Provide transitions where appropriate for the flow of your argument
o Summarize opposing views. The summary must be complete and fair.
note: The opposition section can stand alone or be combined it with the next section.
o Respond to opposing views. This section includes refutations of opposing views and/or
concessions to strong reasons presented by the opposition (use qualifiers?)
o Be aware of warrants and unstated assertions – provide backing where appropriate
o Write the paper in objective, 3rd person point of view, even though you are presenting
your position (no “I” or “you”).
o Cite sources (see required number and kinds above) per APA parenthetical guidelines.
Conclusion
o reaffirms the argument/ persuasive point and brings your essay to closure
o leaves a strong final impression (perhaps call for action or relate to a larger context)
note: If you have personal experience related to the paper topic, or want to comment in first person, you
are welcome, but not required, to include a brief first-person paragraph following the conclusion.
References Page
Format an APA References page – see above for required sources
Follow APA standards (see Writing Arguments, The Longman Handbook, and reliable academic
online sites including the Purdue OWL)
--Read your paper holistically for unity, coherence, and flow.
--Check for effective sentence structures, phrasing, and word choice.
--Check for transitional words and phrases.
--Proofread and edit your paper.
Note:
-- See the Bb class site for due dates for the paper and for progress assignments related to the paper.
-- See the rubric posted on Bb for grading points.
-- See the syllabus for weighted grades and for policies related to this assignment (academic integrity
policy, late submission policy, course grading policy)
