Argument Essay Guidelines-Developmental Writing
1. Topics: Pick one of the topics below and take a position on it.
2. Primary Research Questions (choose 1 of the following):
Are we too dependent on technology? (this topic requires a narrowed
focus approved by teacher)
Should certain pets or pet animals (pick one) be banned?
Are some sports too dangerous?
Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Should companies be required to hire human workers over using
autonomous machines?
MLA style Title page, Works Cited page, and MLA style page
numbers required
Third Person Objective Voice (no first or second person “I” or “you”)
450-500 word minimum
4 paragraphs (introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion)
Minimum of 2 scholarly sources used in the paper and included in
the MLA style Works Cited page (ONE source must be from the SPC
library databases)
Minimum of one supporting direct quote with MLA style
parenthetical citations in EACH BODY PARAGRAPH.
Thesis must be the last sentence in the introduction and must be a
statement that takes a position on the topic.
Topic sentences must be statements that are main supporting
points (reasons why) for your position.
Evidence from the secondary sources will be used to back up the
claims made in the topic sentences.
At least TWO counterclaims must be identified and refuted in the
body paragraphs. These may be briefly summarized so that the
main development in the body paragraphs focuses on arguing for
your position and refuting the counterclaims.
The conclusion must restate the thesis in fresh words and include a
call to action (what do you want the reader to think, do, or believe-
a letter or a call to representative, call a hotline, participate in
council meetings, join a relevant group, petition)
Mini-conference/review held with the instructor in the Lab before
final submission
Recommended use of the Writing Lab in the library
Submission to Turnitin drop box required for Originality Check
ONE graded FINAL DRAFT and ONE REVISION to increase the score
on the graded FINAL DRAFT
Argument Essay Guidelines-Developmental Writing
1. Topics: Pick one of the topics below and take a position on it.
2. Primary Research Questions (choose 1 of the following):
Are we too dependent on technology? (this topic requires a narrowed
focus approved by teacher)
Should certain pets or pet animals (pick one) be banned?
Are some sports too dangerous?
Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Should companies be required to hire human workers over using
autonomous machines?
MLA style Title page, Works Cited page, and MLA style page
numbers required
Third Person Objective Voice (no first or second person “I” or “you”)
450-500 word minimum
4 paragraphs (introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion)
Minimum of 2 scholarly sources used in the paper and included in
the MLA style Works Cited page (ONE source must be from the SPC
library databases)
Minimum of one supporting direct quote with MLA style
parenthetical citations in EACH BODY PARAGRAPH.
Thesis must be the last sentence in the introduction and must be a
statement that takes a position on the topic.
Topic sentences must be statements that are main supporting
points (reasons why) for your position.
Evidence from the secondary sources will be used to back up the
claims made in the topic sentences.
At least TWO counterclaims must be identified and refuted in the
body paragraphs. These may be briefly summarized so that the
main development in the body paragraphs focuses on arguing for
your position and refuting the counterclaims.
The conclusion must restate the thesis in fresh words and include a
call to action (what do you want the reader to think, do, or believe-
a letter or a call to representative, call a hotline, participate in
council meetings, join a relevant group, petition)
Mini-conference/review held with the instructor in the Lab before
final submission
Recommended use of the Writing Lab in the library
Submission to Turnitin drop box required for Originality Check
ONE graded FINAL DRAFT and ONE REVISION to increase the score
on the graded FINAL DRAFT