Assignment #3 – Writing Persuasive

Assignment #3 – Writing Persuasive

The purpose is to assert and explain a clear, persuasive position on a single topic with the intention of persuading the reader to your position.

Topic / Thesis, Arguments & Audience

Sign up for your topic from the list. You’ll want to refine your topic to a defendable view given the length requirement. Your position is the stand (or thesis) you take about your topic. It’s the idea you want to persuade the readers to adopt.

• Your claim/thesis cannot contain the following words: “and” or “or” (so you will defend only ONE position) or “than” (so you don’t repeat a C/C paper).

NOTE: Your thesis does not need to use the same words that are in your topic; the thesis just needs to cover the topic in some fashion.

• Have your thesis and arguments build a logical or ethical appeal (emotional appeals are not applicable for this assignment).
• Be specific and controversial in your thesis, so that you have something to prove, convince, persuade. Theses that anyone would agree with are not acceptable, because they are essentially fact.
• Avoid making your thesis or arguments passive voice. When you say something “should be done”, it is confusing to the reader. Who should do it?
• Organize your arguments to present your thesis in the best light. Avoid logic fallacies in your arguments/position.
• Assume your readers are your school colleagues who have a general interest in your topic, but do not assume they have examined the subject in as much detail as you have. Therefore, define those terms and issues for those unfamiliar to the depth of knowledge you’ve acquired.
• Assume your audience does not share your position, so you need to use gentle persuasive language.

POV and Tone

• These are formal papers and use 3^rd
• Do not refer to yourself (1^st POV). Readers are smart and know that any opinion that is not cited is owned by the author.
• Avoid awkward/wordy scaffolding statements like “I believe…”, “we will show…”, etc. Likewise don’t replace those with equally awkward statements, such as “It is the opinion of the author that…” Just state your viewpoint; let the reader use their critical thinking skills to discern fact from opinion.
• Do not address the reader (no 2^ndPOV,”you”); assume they are willingly reading your paper. Remember that when reading “you”, the reader puts themselves into the work. To adopt a viewpoint that is controversial, it’s easier to do if it’s done at a distance. Or 3^rd

Length,Structure, and Format

• Cover your thesis persuasively in 950-1000 words.
• Include an informative abstract for your paper. The abstract’s length is 10% of the paper’s word count (or up to 100 words), and is NOT calculated into the overall word count of the paper itself.
• Include your final word count at the bottom of your final page, as shown: [word count xxx]
  Do not include your Bibliography, word count from long quotes, or the Abstract in your word count.
• Follow the 3x3x1 structure:
  • Three (3) arguments with each argument having three (3) supports.
  • One (1) very short paragraph after the argument heading that explains why that argument proves your thesis is true.
  • Each of the supporting facts needs to be in their own paragraph.
  • Each supporting fact paragraph needs to begin with the supporting fact, then, if it’s not obvious to the reader, it should end with an analysis that explains why this fact proves the argument is true. Do not begin the support paragraph with your analysis.
• Note that unlike other position papers you might write, due to the length requirement of this position paper, do not include/refute the opposing view. However, realize that usually they are required to create a balanced argument.
• Prove your thesis is true by proving your side of the thesis. Do not prove your thesis is true by saying that the “other side” is not “bad.” These papers are not compare/contrast works. For example, if your argument was that “green manufacturing was ‘good.'” (Yes that’s a vague thesis, but I’m making a point.) You cannot prove that thesis is true, by saying that “non-green manufacturing is ‘bad.'”
• Make your thesis bold (so it’s clear where/what it is).
• So you can practice another delivery look…Turn in your work using a REPORT look.
• Reports have
  1. Title page
     • The title.Your report title should reflect your thesis/position.
     • Your name, date (co-located with the title)
     • With maybe a picture that shows your ideas
     • Your abstract
  2. Headers / footers
     • Use headings (page 2+) for title
     • Use footers (page 2+) for page numbers
  3. Headings (visible) per section

For this assignment, include headings for each of the following

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Each argument (be sure these headings are parallel)
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

• While some reports may have a table of contents, do not clutter this work with one.
• Save paper: No page break before the Bibliography
• Do not copy the sample; be creative based on your topic. Your ability to deploy design techniques will be part of your grade.
• Use your knowledge of using Robin Williams’ C*R*A*P* and font principles to format your paper as a report with a title page and headers/footers.

Bibliography, Citations and Sources

• Include a comprehensive“Bibliography” of all works you looked at in the preparation of your paper. Include all entries, even if you did not cite it in your paper.
• Cite at least fivecredible sources in the text of your paper. These sources do not have to come from peer-reviewed journals, but all must be reputable sources. This requirement means that you need to integrate varied sources into your work.
• Use the MLA citation format. Pay attention to detail, especially punctuation, or use a source management system to do that for you.
• Cite the library database from where you got your source, in the MLA citation. See in “An Article from on Online Database” that the library database name goes in front of the word “Web” and is shown in italics. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/>
• Include the URLs, even though MLA does not require it.
• Format as follows: Single space the citation entries. Put space between the citation entries.Use hanging indents on the citation entries.
• In the In-text citations, use the most optimal form: (citation). Avoid wordy forms to notify the reader of the sources: “According to blah, blah, and blah, in their article “x and y plus z” found in ABC magazine, the authors say, “quote.” That’s 21 words, the reader didn’t need to read.
• Do not use the same source for all the supports in the same argument section or multiple arguments. That shows signs of patchwriting, not original thinking.