Morals vs Ethics

Argument Research Paper Guidelines & Worksheet

The research argument should present a fair, consummate, yet opinioned position in full MLA style including coversheet, works cited page, parenthetical references, with at least 2500 words minimum in the body, written in 3rd person only.

Research

A thorough and definitive research of “both sides” of the issues is essential. Without this part of the argument paper fully completed none of the other items will matter. More on this section in the works cited and sources section.

Title

The title should address the topic and/or dilemma as well as being original and eye-catching.

Introduction

Start with a current interesting story, anecdote, example, statistic, news item, or experience. Use one that presents the dilemma of choices between two polarized sides (and remember they do not constitute arguments in themselves). Do not form a thesis here!

Side One Positive Arguments

Begin a “positive”, fair, and objective presentation of the most adamant and worthwhile positions of one side of the argument as if you did not plan to present the other side. Do not refer to the other side’s arguments. Limit the arguments to the most credible, germane, and topical (recent). This may vary from between five and fifteen points depending on the issue. Try to eliminate the minor or petty arguments as they only inflame or trivialize one’s position. Each argument should be self-supporting and viable (otherwise real) without emotion. The beginning side and order is a matter left to the writer’s preference.

Side One Negative Arguments

Now take the first side and present negative (attack) arguments against it. Again, do not show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition. The number and depth should be equal and appear fair (five or less). Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments:

Side Two Positive Arguments

Now take the other side of the issue and present positive, fair, and objective arguments for that side, the same as above. Neither of these two sides should show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition, but should be clinical and scholarly. The number and depth of both sides should be equal and appear fair.

Side Two Negative Arguments

Now take the second side and present negative (attack) arguments against that side. Again, do not show the writer’s prejudice or final disposition – be clinical. The number and depth of both sides should be equal and appear fair (five or less). Before beginning brainstorm possible arguments

The Opinion & Conclusion

This is where the writer’s opinion (and position) is explored and delineated after choosing one topic as the most desirable of the two. The intention is to persuade the reader to agree with you using the previous arguments’ merits (appeals to emotions may be used here as well). THE THESIS SHOULD BE UP FRONT IN THIS SECTION! Begin by strengthening arguments already presented for this side and why they outweigh those for the other side. This is where you will point out why the negatives of the opposing side outweigh your choice’s negatives. It is not possible to strengthen or refute all opposing points and thus should not be attempted. If there is a glaring defect in your chosen topic defend it here as well. Examples, anecdotes, etc. may be inserted here but do not to add new facts or data.
This is where you predict the future of both topics, rather bleak or bright, on the world order and stage. Any idea or prediction may be forwarded, rather realistic or bizarre, as long as the arguments support the stance. Otherwise, what is the point of writing this essay?

Works Cited and Other Sources

All works cited (references) must conform to MLA style entries. There should be at least ten total sources with annotation for full credit, with the sources split equally between the two sides (although some sources may benefit both sides) and published within the past five years. Sources must come from a variety of source types with no more than two coming from any one type. Each paper must include at least one source from each of the following: Book, magazine, newspaper, electronic source, and multi-media (television, film, CD-Rom, etc.). Other sources may include a pamphlet, review, editorial, interview, survey, recording, cartoon, lecture, or website (No Wikipedia, religious texts, databanks, personal interviews or surveys, or encyclopedias). The annotation follows each source and should be one to three sentences stating what the source is about. At least two statistics must be used with ten in-text citations in the body of the paper and no more than two from any one source.

Argument Precedents and Validity

(1) The United States Constitution & Amendments
(2) Supreme Court Decisions
(3) Federal Law (Congressional)
(4) Federal Court Decisions (Appeals supercede District Courts)
(5) Federal Regulations & Procedures (Executive)
(6) State Laws
(7) State Supreme Court Decisions
(8) State Court Decisions (Appeals supercedes Circuit Courts)
(9) State Regulations & Procedures (Agency)
(10) City, County, and Metro Ordinances
(11) Common Law (English Common Laws based upon Roman Laws)
(12) Public Norms & Accepted Procedures (Current Practices & History)
(13) Public Opinion (Surveys, Interviews & Sentiment)
(14) Justice (Individual & Social)
(15) Moral Values & Other Considerations
(16) Common Sense
(17) Extenuating Circumstances
(18) Past Injustices
(19) Individual Freedom
(20) Changes in the Past and/or the Future

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