Question Description
I need support with this Political Science question so I can learn better.
Make an argument for communication and why it is one of the most vital
commodities, and potentially one of the scarcest resources in a
disaster. The paper should be 2-3 pages, well written. Cite at least three scholarly sources.
Example of Argumentative Essay:
Argumentative Essays
Summary:
The Modes of
DiscourseExposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)are
common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes.
Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars,
the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and
students need to understand and produce them.
Contributors:Jack Baker, Allen Brizee, Elizabeth Angeli
Last Edited: 2013-03-10 11:46:44
What is an argumentative essay?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the
student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate
evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Please note: Some confusion may occur between the
argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are
similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay
in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The
argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project
in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves
lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and
are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class
writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research
of literature or previously published material. Argumentative
assignments may also require empirical research where the student
collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments.
Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to
understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he
may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during
research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved,
argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound
reasoning.
The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.
- A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students
should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the
author should explain why the topic is important (exigence)
or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should
present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement
be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the
assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay,
it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
- Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation
of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the
reader is unable to follow the essays argument, and the structure will
collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section
and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
- Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of
one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout
the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability
for ones audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the
body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis
statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly
support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It
is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the
thesis (warrant).
However, argumentative essays should also consider and
explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the
length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs
of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the
topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong
outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their
thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.
- Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
The argumentative essay requires well-researched,
accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis
statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical,
statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However,
students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence.
As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded
argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the
thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the
thesis. It is not the students job to point out how other positions are
wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be
well informed or up to date on the topic.
- A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
It is at this point of the essay that students may
begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the
most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it
must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information
into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the
body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short
discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your
work.
A complete argument
Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation
or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World
War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous
time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation.
In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point,
questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived
through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be
complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or
argument.
The five-paragraph essay
A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the
five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula
for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because
it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph
(b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of
opposing views and (c) a conclusion.
Longer argumentative essays
Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed
essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or
empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs.
Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources
of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different
opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors
will be determined by the assignment.
