Argue for or against passing URLTA (Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act) in Kentucky

Description

An argument essay debates opinions on controversial issues. Your topic should be something relevant and current, while also being something that you can successfully argue in 5-6 pages (not including the Works Cited page). Be careful that your topic is not too large or too small. Please read Chapter 15, “Argumentation” very carefully—as appropriate topics, how to structure your essay, and an example student essay are included. What about a topic? Your topic must be a controversial issue. In other words, you shouldn’t argue that child abuse is wrong. Who would disagree? An issue is controversial because each side has valid points, and there is no absolute right or wrong. Still your position should be firm and clearly asserted in your essay in a should/should not statement. Be careful not to say that the opposite side is 100% wrong. Remember, these issues are controversial for a reason—each side has valid viewpoints. Each essay should have one section that directly addresses an opposing side. Done correctly, addressing the opposing viewpoints head-on can actually strengthen your argument. To do this, take one of their reasons, address/present it in your essay, then either refute it or concede it. The most effective way to deal with this is to concede (to admit or acknowledge true points about it) the other side’s valid points, but then offer a rebuttal (why your opinion might be more valid, why there are exceptions to their point/reason, etc.). You may do this easily using qualifying words and phrases such as: but, however, even though, except in cases when, unless, usually, less often, and so on. A successful position paper lays out in a logical step-by-step progression and attempts to connect various strains of the argument so that the reader may see how all of the pieces fit together. Your position essay must: ➢ Present the issue—the controversy and the significance of it. ➢ Assert a position in a clear and firm manner (should/should not statement and thesis). ➢ Acknowledge at least one point of the opposing position(s)—then either refute or concede. You must go on the offensive and address your argument’s weaknesses head-on. Do not ignore them hoping that no one will notice. ➢ Follow MLA format and documentation styles, 5 pages minimum in length. ➢ Cite at least five sources on a Works Cited page. Review the Sample Student Essay Using MLA Style in Chapter 20 (Part 3) of our e-textbook. The Works Cited page should be on a separate page from your essay. If your essay ends on page 7, the Works Cited page will be page 8. ➢ Note: Because I want credible, academic sources for your essay. Please check with me for approval of your sources You will also be required to email me the sources used in your essay. Included with your final essay ➢ Prewriting activities (clustering, brainstorming, listing, journaling) (May need to email) ➢ References page with at least 5 valid sources (including two articles from a scholarly journal or a professional trade journal) ➢ If applicable, notes from an interview with an expert ➢ Rough draft ➢ Typed, revised draft ➢ At least two peer reviews/edit assignment sheets (subject to change) ➢ Database articles you use in your essay ➢ All handouts, assignments, topic search activity sheets (subject to change) Structure and content of the argument essay 1. Introductory paragraph: Present the issue—what is the controversy? So what? Why should we read this? Get the reader’s attention—make it interesting. Use anecdote, personal experience, or actual case history. Why is this issue important at all? Explain compellingly, and interestingly. 2. Introductory paragraph: Clearly stated opinion/argument Must have THESIS in the form of a should/should not statement. List three main supporting points (usually asserted with “because”). This is known as an essay map or forecasting statement. 3. Body of the essay—the main portion of your argument, where you make your case Present each of your three main points in separate body paragraphs, one at a time and in great detail. Back up each point with statistics, examples, facts (using valid information from your sources and, if applicable, your own experience). Must have a minimum of five (5) outside sources from CREDIBLE sources. Two (2) of your sources come from a scholarly journal or professional trade journal. Use transitions from one paragraph to the next. 4. Address one point of the opposing opinion No one’s argument is 100% correct, so recognize the opposition. Either refute (with qualifiers) a point from the opposition or concede the point (admit this weakness in your argument). Admitting weaknesses may even make your argument more believable. There is no specific place to address opposing opinion, so place it wherever it will help your argument most. 5. Strong finish Appeal to emotion (pathos), ethos (writer’s credibility), and logos (logic) Anecdote/personal testimony/worst case scenario 6. Conclusion Restate should/should not thesis with essay map (forecasting statement) Speculate on future/solutions/call to action/long term effects Strong finish 7. Works Cited page This page should be separate from the essay. Review Chapter 20 of text.