Paper Assignment

Length: 7-9 pages, font size = 12-point, double-spaced with 1-inch margins

The argument is about wasted food and it's impact on the environment In the U.S and Globally

Content Requirements:

This paper is an argument paper. In this paper you will take a position on your topic and will craft an argument for that position. You need a clear thesis that appears on the first page and is reasoned, explained, developed and defended throughout the paper.

Research Requirements:

20 sources total on your bibliography (MLA) or references (APA) page.

At least 5 of the 20 bibliography sources must be academic.

Of those 20 sources, you must cite (not necessary quote directly) at least 8 sources; at least 2 of these need to be academic sources.

If you are using MLA, these cited sources should be listed on a separate "works cited" page.

I will be taking off points for insufficient # of sources (one point for each missing) and for format errors (one point for each mistake) in bibliographies, works cited pages, and in-text citations.

Mechanics requirements:

I will be looking especially for transitions/connections between sentences, correct documentation of citations, correct use of commas and apostrophes and concise wording ("trimming the fat" lesson). Edit your papers. I will be taking off points for errors.

Organization requirements:

The format/organization for the paper: Parts of a Full Argument

In classical rhetoric, arguments were arranged in a fairly predictable way, in part because speeches were either delivered unrehearsed, so the orator needed an outline ready to plug material into, or because speeches were memorized, and thus a regular pattern made it easier for the rhetor to keep track of the argument. Patterning was adjusted and rearranged, depending on the audience, the subject and the occasion. The arrangement had rhetorical purposes as well; each part built on the others to increase the persuasiveness of the argument. Classical rhetoricians used or relied on different parts of argument. Contemporary rhetors also use these parts, whether they are aware of it or not. You are required to include all of the parts that are in bold.

Introduction (Exordium)

The opening of your argument should establish EXIGENCE, convincing your readers of the importance of the subject, of the problem that needs to be solved, of the significance of the issue you are addressing. The introduction also begins your relationship with your readers, demonstrating your ethos. You might begin with a striking set of facts, an example, a question, or even a paradox. One of the most important things to keep in mind is sort of obvious but often forgotten-you are introducing the topic here. Don't assume that your readers know the topic or why it is important.

Narration (Narratio)

Before beginning to argue for a position, you may find it necessary to give the background or history of the issue. What happened or is happening that requires resolution or rethinking? This summary or narration can be done even for audiences already knowledgeable. Here you remind them of the information they need to appreciate the issue. You set the context of the debate to make the readers see your argument favorably.

A story or example might be woven into your confirmation section (see below); it might begin the paper, before the introduction, or it might follow the narration section. Sometimes this is part of the narration section.

Confirmation (Confirmatio)

This is where you make your argument FOR your thesis (this is different from arguing against something). Your thesis is your claim, which must be supported by reasons that then become at least one paragraph each in the confirmation section. These reasons must be explained & defended (with evidence). Be sure to make connections between these paragraphs in topic sentences. Together, this section & the refutation are the longest parts of your argument, each containing many paragraphs of converging arguments, each thoroughly supported. The most important element of this section is EVIDENCE for your points.

Refutation (Refutatio)

You don't make the opposition's case-you acknowledge their concerns and argue back.

Pick the major concerns on the other side & address them. The refutation section weakens support for the arguments opposed to yours. It can come before or after the confirmation, or the confirmation and the refutation can be intertwined as you argue back and forth, as long as you don't JUST have refutations but are also making arguments FOR something.

Conclusion (Peroratio)

After many pages, your readers need a summary of where they have been. This summary is a chance for you to stress your major points and remind readers of the stake they have in the debate. But the conclusion should also do something else: You might suggest where the debate is likely to go next or suggest actions that your readers can take.