This assignment involves drafting and revising a persuasive, source-based essay that addresses an
issue of interest to you and your readers. To accomplish this, you will:
(1) use your Paper 2 topic and create an argumentative claim to make within that topic area. Then,
consider that your finished product would be published as an editorial/opinion piece that requires
researched support
(2) identify an issue that is important to both you and your readers;
(3) present your argument about the issue and attempt to convince or persuade your readers of your
position;
(4) consider which rhetorical appeals you will use (authority/emotion/logic);
(5) choose appropriate sources to use as evidence; and
(6) provide a clear, well-supported discussion of the issue and remember that you are joining a
conversation of the issue, so try to bring your own perspective without using first person.
Your Readers: No matter what issue you choose to write about, consider your audience to be on the
opposing side of the issue. You will need to acknowledge their position, and then challenge them to
understand your stance.
Sources: Using more than just general web sites, establish credibility by incorporating authoritative
sources that agree with your perspective. Use at least 3 sources for this paper. Make sure you include a
Works Cited page too. See Purdue OWL site if you are unclear how to cite in MLA form. (Note: There are
some databases in the ICC library, https://library.icc.edu/az.php, that are great for searching for articles
to help support your points. All of the options are fine by me when it comes to finding support for your
papers, but the databases I typically have the most luck with are: Academic OneFile, Academic Search
Complete, and Proquest). I want at least one of your sources to be from one of the Library databases –
the more you use them, the more familiar you get, and these areas are great places to go when
researching for a paper in ANY class…not just English. So…
–ALL of the sources must be credible and authoritative,
–at least 1 of the 3 sources must come from one of the above databases,
–remember that you may use a variety of types of sources: books, reputable websites, newspaper
articles…your options are endless.
Page Length: 3-4 pages (Be sure you at least meet the minimum page requirement.) Also, try not to go
too far over that page range – remember you’ll need to focus your argument to meet the assignment
guidelines.