Topic can be about anything!

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Length: – 1500-2000 words (6-8 pages, not including works cited page), MLA Formatted (Times New Roman, 12-point font) Required: Integrate at least 5 credible outside sources   The third essay asks you to build your own research-based argument, using one of the approaches we studied this term (Toulmin, Logician, Psychologist). This project will involve research on a particular topic, and we will use it as a vehicle for you to review skills such as finding and evaluating research sources, integrating evidence, use of quotation, and writing to an audience.   You will find especially helpful the readings in Barnet et al. Chapters 6, 7, as well as Chapters 3 (touches on deduction, induction, and fallacy) and 8, 9, and 10 (providing more in-depth discussion of the philosopher’s, the logician’s, and psychologist’s views of argument.)   Assignment overview: You will write a research-based argument of 1500-2000 words (6-8 pages, not including works cited page), MLA Formatted (Times New Roman, 12-point font), This paper will allow you to evaluate arguments being made about a topic that interests you while also considering your own opinion. You should choose a topic that is narrow enough in scope that you can research it with reasonable thoroughness in the allotted time and do research on it. You should analyze the arguments that authors are making from a logical point of view, while also including your own argument – supporting a thesis with claims and evidence.   I wish to give you the freedom to write on a topic that interests you, one you really care about, one that you will enjoy spending a few weeks reading about, critically thinking about, and writing about. However, if narrowing your topic and working thesis from “the universe” makes you too nervous, take a look at Barnet et al., pp. 245. There is an exercise ending on that page that lists some interesting claims that you could support. Ignore the instructions for the exercise, merely look to the list of possible claims for ideas.   Final draft due: on or before 11:59 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2020. Submit .doc or .docx version of your essay on Canvas (including a submission to TurnItIn).   Essay guidelines: Once you have decided on your topic, you should draft a research question that will provide a clear focus for both your research itself and the essay that you will write. Having formulated your research question, you should then determine (1) where to look (Hacker, rule 50c&d) for appropriate information that would help you answer your question (what library sources? What online sources?) and (2) what kind of original research (Hacker, rule 50e) you might do to produce additional information (observations? Interviews? Surveys? etc.)   Regarding structure your essay must include the following: An informative title An introduction that provides relevant context for your research and introduces its purpose. In other words, it states the problem or issue, states the claim or thesis. It suggests the organization of the essay, giving the reader a “roadmap.” A series of paragraphs that present a synthesis of the information you’ve found or otherwise produced in your research, analyzed in a way that emphasizes its meaning or significance. These paragraphs should support the claim, offer evidence, face objections to the claim and offer reasonable responses. A conclusion that summarizes your key findings and judgments about the information included. For example, your conclusion could indicate that the proposed solution is relatively simple; it could admit that, while difficult may be difficult to implement, it is feasible; or it could remind the reader of the urgency of the problem.   Formatting Instructions Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, as well as MLA style for formatting your paper. Document your essay fully and appropriately according to current MLA guidelines, using proper in-text citations and a works cited page.